FINNISH-INSPIRED ARTWORKS
Sisu. Acrylic and Collage. 72" x 144" (3 panels each 72" x 48") SOLD
Sisu is a unique Finnish concept that can be roughly translated into English as strength of will, determination, perseverance, and acting rationally in the face of adversity.
This triptych depicts my mother, her seven sisters and their mother. Their clothing is collaged from books of their era, including Hints from Heloise, Peyton Place and a conservative book my parents received at their 1950 wedding entitled, Make Yours a Happy Marriage.
The piece led me to research Finland and the Gogebic Range mining culture that brought my ancestors and many others to the harsh areas of Northern Wisconsin and Michigan. Every detail is full of symbolism. As I think about these women, and all the hardships they endured, I know they are the pure embodiment of sisu.
Sisu found a permanent home at the Finnish American Heritage Center in Hancock, Michigan.
The piece led me to research Finland and the Gogebic Range mining culture that brought my ancestors and many others to the harsh areas of Northern Wisconsin and Michigan. Every detail is full of symbolism. As I think about these women, and all the hardships they endured, I know they are the pure embodiment of sisu.
Sisu found a permanent home at the Finnish American Heritage Center in Hancock, Michigan.
These paintings are part of a Finnish Goddess series created during an artist residency in Finland, February, 2023.
Vellamo, Goddess of Water. Acrylic on Paper. 24" x 18"
Order Original Art - $450 plus shipping 
Kuutar + Päivätär, Goddesses of the Moon + Sun.
Acrylic on Paper. 24" x18" Original Art - $450 plus shipping 
Ilmatar, Goddess of the Air + Daughter of the Sky.
Acrylic on Paper. 24" x 18" Order Original Art - $450 plus shipping |
Loviatar, Goddess of Death + Disease. Acrylic on Paper.
24" x 18". Sold. 
Mielikki, Goddess of Forests + the Hunt. Acrylic on Paper.
24" x 18". Order Original Art - $450 plus shipping |