Sami Korkiakoski

Tell us a little about yourself, where did your passion for art begin and how did it become your work?

My passion for art started as a small boy. When I was in elementary school, I started to love art even more. I started my art studies in the Department of Art Education but after one year there it was obvious that I wanna become an artist.

I am curious if you have a daily working routine? Do you have any morning rituals or habits that contribute towards a productive day within the studio?

I usually go to the studio in the morning but can’t paint before I’m awake good enough. When I’m tired I just stare at my paintings and think. I have to say I spend my time mostly thinking what to do and planning. Finally, when I get up and paint, I make my decisions fast and spontaneously, sometimes sticking to my plans, sometimes not. The process takes me to new places where I didn’t know I would find myself. That’s the best in the art process.

How would describe your work to someone?

I keep on exploring and thinking, then more exploring but trying not to think too much. I enjoy expressing, taking risks, testing materials, modifying, finding new – sometimes even surprising myself. One of my adventures is ”dancing” between contrasts; ugliness and beauty – colorfulness and uncoloredness. I do mark making, letters and marks from my intuition and life in general.

What projects/works are currently in progress in your studio?

I have just sent 5 paintings for a group show in TW Fine Art gallery Brisbane, Australia. Those pieces are more colourful than my earlier ones. Right now I’m working on wild paintings with lots of colour.

Tell us about your style. Are you considering the concept of the painting before its creation or is it improvisation?

My painting process is mostly improvisation, but like I said, I also think and do planning, but only in my head. I never sketch. My paintings themselves are kind of big sketches to me.

What are the plans for the remainder of this year?

I just wanna keep on having adventures.

What do you feel are the pros and cons of Instagram, and do you consider Instagram important for artists working today?

For me Instagram is a very important platform for seeing other people’s shows and art pieces. It is also a tool of making my shows and paintings known. For instance, I have been invited to exhibit several times via Instagram and I feel that Instagram is only a positive thing.

Can you highlight some of your influences and discuss how your influences have made an impact on you and your practice?

Childrens’ paintings, layeredness of street art and art history have impacted my art and style a lot.

Your thoughts that you would like to share with our readers.

If you are an artist, be yourself and don’t steal too much. If you are a spectator, trust your instincts and feelings when you are looking at art.