Iina Koppinen: Answering a question about my studio habits – and great weekend at the cabin

17 Jul, 2018 by Iina Koppinen

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OHMYGOSSIP – I had a great weekend at the cabin! It’s the silence which makes me relax and listen the sound of the burning woods at the fireplace. Looking out from window to the lake, and sitting at cozy couch..  Weather was so calm and a swan flew close to the surface of the water – so near I could see it’s mirror image from the water.  

I was hoping I had time to take a photo of it, but I didn’t.. I don’t know, sometimes it’s just better I think – not to save every moment with a camera, you know. Sometimes it’s just better to watch and let those beautiful things to make their own memories. I took my lap top with me but chose not to write this blog there, because I thought it would be better not to have all this modern technology around me all the time. I think you can understand, sometimes it is important just to be without those for a little while. I need them, of course in my everyday life, but when I can choose, I take one day off from technology – at least I try – and now I spend time at the cabin, just nature around me.

photo Iina Koppinen | early morning at the lake | 2018

photo Iina Koppinen | flowers – daisies | 2018 | Marimekko – shirt

photo Iina Koppinen | 2018 | summer | at the cabin | water lily flowers

Oh yeah! Some days ago I received this e-mail. One reader asked a question and it’s always nice to answer to them!  So, this reader asked how relationships affects my work or how can this be seen in my artwork? I think now it’s time to answer this question. And oh, people – if you have something to ask, I’ll be glad to answer others too.

Only thing relationships or life itself outside the studio affects is how I manage get enough time to work. In my life the work is number one and after this other important things which are meaningful in my life. Usually I need to think – just like all other people – how and where to set more energy or passion to do other meaningful tasks, or is there any sense to go for a dinner or meeting friend at cafeteria after work. Normal daily routines like these. Relationships are crucial to me, case these give new perspectives to life, those give joy and alternation also. Good, integrating and safe friendships precisely.

sketch photos and sketches Iina Koppinen | 2018 | ink on paper | from the serie – Hands

While working I like to be pure – can I say so – even clean. I don`t carry any worries fears or any kind of relationships I am involved to my studio. In this space where I work I don`t think or solve any problematic things of my life. I leave these things outside studio. I am only working there, there are no other persons, it is only for me, myself.  I am very strict in this personal rule, otherwise I can`t work properly enough.

Sometimes it is not easy, if life around takes a hold on me, I don`t start working before I purify myself from all this stuff or even from other stressful things I am carrying. I read or dance til I am relaxed and can start working. Emotional balance and peace of mind are – as I said before – essential for working and good results, work takes a hold on me. I use to pray while working, I have my own personal faith, I call it faith in my heart.  Some artists might use meditation or talk with tabula rasa sipping wine before they start working. We all have own habits to focus our senses to working. This is my way.

photo Iina Koppinen | summer wear | 2018 | little suitcase for my paintbrushes, paints etc., easy to put it in a bigger suitcase | favorite dress right now

Can you fellows guess where I’ am going to travel for a short work trip?  To Italy.. Doesn’t it sound so nice?  I’ll tell you more about it later..

Love you guys.

xx

Iina