Interview
Tiina Koski
Tiina Koski is an artist who finds inspiration in the diversity and mystique of life. She has always been interested in art since her childhood and have explored creativity in various forms. Her art is a journey into her own world, where human body, nature, mystique, and dreamlike reality intertwine. She strives to create works that evoke emotions and thoughts, encouraging viewers to see the world with fresh eyes. Through her art, she aims to share goodness and love with those around her. She believes that art can serve as a powerful tool to change the world, one piece at a time. While her art may sometimes be dreamy and mystical, she always endeavors to share the stories and emotions behind her creations. She is constantly open to new opportunities and seek continuous growth as an artist. Life is full of surprises, and she eagerly anticipates what the future holds.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“My life's golden thread has always revolved around creation. Since I was a little girl, I have been drawing, encouraged by my family. I dreamt of becoming a fine artist, but my path led me into the world of tattoos. At some point in my life, I lamented not becoming the artist I had envisioned, but a client told me something profound: 'Isn't a tattoo a magnificent form of art—one that is carried with you all the time?' Indeed, I love crafting eternal art on my clients' skin, but last year, I began yearning for something new. Towards the end of the year, I realized that I was longing for my childhood dream. When I finally decided to pursue painting, it felt like stepping into a world of my own, a rebirth and blossoming. I immersed myself in it throughout spring, and that's how my chakra collection came to life. Painting, however, was not entirely foreign to me. Over the years, I have been part of an art association and participated in various group exhibitions, big and small. I adore working on large canvases and intricate details, sometimes investing over 100 hours in a single painting. Balancing this with my role as a tattoo artist, filled with a busy schedule and design work, left me with little time to paint more than one large canvas per year. But now, it's time for new entries in my calendar.”
What inspires you?
“Life inspires me. My paintings almost always feature figures, whether they are human or animal, with a touch of mystique. Faces and body language speak louder than a thousand words. Each person experiences the artwork differently, as their own life's emotions and thoughts give the piece a personal meaning. In my own works, I always have the thoughts, emotions, and mystique of the present moment as the underlying backdrop. I aim to perceive and paint them into images for you.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“At the moment, I'm inspired by the theme of chakras. I'm working on a collection of 7 paintings that includes the pieces: 'I am,' 'I feel,' 'I do,' 'I love,' 'I speak,' 'I see,' and 'I know.' Towards the end of last year, my life took a new direction, and my thoughts started to wander along different paths. These paintings reflect a universal process of growth and life's journey, while also offering viewers the opportunity to contemplate their own paths and personal growth. One of these works drew inspiration from a shamanic drum journey, adding a touch of mystique and symbolism. I plan to share more information and background about each painting on my blog and website, so you're welcome to read them and gain a deeper understanding of the artistic roots and creative journey behind the collection. Each of my paintings always carries a story, emotion, or memory that gives them meaning. I hope my artwork resonates with the viewers and sparks thoughts, leaving room for their own interpretations and personal revelations. My intention is for these paintings to serve as empowering reminders that each of us has our unique journey, and the power to grow and flourish, just as we are meant to be.”
“Each of my paintings always carries a story, emotion, or memory that gives them meaning. I hope my artwork resonates with the viewers and sparks thoughts, leaving room for their own interpretations and personal revelations.”
How would you describe your work?
“To borrow my husband's words, 'Your art is a delightful fusion of realism and comics.' Personally, I'd love to add a sprinkle of mystique to it as well.”
Which artists influence you most?
“I have to say that I don't feel that any artist has directly influenced me or served as a direct source of inspiration. In my view, all artists are amazing because art comes from within. I love architecture, the human body, nature, and mystique. I would say that these are the most significant sources of art that influence me.”
What is your creative process like?
“At times, I let ideas mature in my mind for a longer while, while other times they come to me instantly, bright and clear. I'm used to using digital design software, where I sketch out my ideas on my iPad before starting to paint. For larger canvases with many elements, I sometimes create outlines first and then project them onto the canvas before painting. This method originates from my experience in tattoo art, where creating stencils has become so ingrained that it also influences my painting process. Occasionally, I let creativity flow directly onto the canvas, relying entirely on instinct. I love using spray paints to create backgrounds, but at other times, I paint the backgrounds traditionally by hand. Sometimes, I may immerse myself in one piece for an entire day, while other times, I work on it for just an hour. My artworks don't come together quickly; they take time. For most of my paintings, I've spent close to a hundred hours or even more.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“With my art, I want to share goodness and love with the world. I believe that art can serve as a powerful tool to change the world, one piece at a time. As I mentioned earlier, art has the ability to convey emotions and messages that can spark conversations and unite people. My goal is to make the world a better place, create a more loving environment, and promote the idea of living life authentically. I want to encourage people to live without judgment, envy, or hatred. I hope that my art inspires people to see the world from a fresh perspective, to connect with others through empathy, and to build a community where everyone can be exactly who they are. I see the role of an artist in society as continuously evolving. In the digital age, art has reached new audiences globally, and artists can have a broader impact than ever before. That's why I want to leverage this opportunity to spread my message of positivity and love across the world. The power of art is immense, and I hope that through my art, I can deeply touch people's lives and inspire them to make positive changes in their own lives and surroundings. Together, we can create a better and more love-filled world.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“My latest major exhibition was in 2021 when I had the opportunity to participate in the big Demolition Art Exhibition in Kerava, Finland. The exhibition took place in a six-story old apartment building where over 80 professional artists and art enthusiasts had created their artwork. I shared a room, which used to be an old kitchen, with a young graffiti artist named Niko Moisas. Together, we transformed the room into an outer space and cosmos-themed setting, and my artwork titled 'Moon Goddess’ guarded the room. On the other side of the room, a striking Nexus graffiti adorned the walls. Nexus symbolizes connection, and with our room, we aimed to remind people that we are all connected and part of nature. In July, I held a small one-week exhibition at a restaurant in Helsinki. It offered a glimpse into my collection. I am always open to new opportunities, and many have inquired about the next exhibition. As of now, I am not sure when and where it will be, but time will tell, and life is full of surprises.”
