Moments of Light

Pauli Luoma

Last Thursday April 5th 2012, I attended the opening of 'Valon Hetkiä', an exhibition of oil paintings by Pauli Luoma at the Jade Gallery in Helsinki, Finland. The title of this exhibition translates from Finnish to English as 'Moments of light'. The artist Pauli Luoma from Hamina, was displaying some of his most recent work including some new paintings featuring wonderful coastal scenery from western Finland. 

Pauli Luoma - Tuulinen päivä (Windy day)

It was clear to see the artist's gifted talent in his achievement to capture perfectly the balance of daylight tones reflecting on each of his images. The painting above is no exception. While the viewer is immediately drawn to the pale tones associated with grey skies and wind, one can't help but notice those warmer tones on distant trees cast from hidden sunbeams. I suppose it is these lighter tones or moments that we must appreciate and cherish, for as with life's similar moments they never last very long and often fail to return the way we remember.

Here's a photograph of myself with the artist Pauli Luoma and a gallery visitor taken during the opening of his art exhibition at Jade Gallery in Helsinki last week. Thanks to Jatta Hartikainen for this photo.

Alan Hogan (left) and  Pauli Luoma (centre) at Jade Gallery, Helsinki. - April 2012

As well as landscapes, Pauli Luoma's current exhibition also includes a selection of his figurative paintings. I found these to be a nice accompaniment to his landscapes, with calming tones and complimentary moods.

Pauli Luoma - Nainen valoisassa huoneessa (Woman in a bright room)

Here's a video featuring more of Luoma's wonderful figurative work.

    

Pauli Luoma's 'Valon Hetkiä' art exhibition continues at Jade Gallery in Helsinki until 30.04.2012. 

If you have any questions or wish to meet the artist, he will be present in Jade Gallery on the following date, 22.04.2012, 13.00 - 17.00

Thanks to Pauli Louma for inviting me to his opening exhibition and thank 'you' for reading my blog. Feel free to share with all your friends.

-Alan

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Holding for Hilda!

This painting is called 'Holding for Hilda' and it depicts one of the many soapstone sculptures from the Pohjola building in Helsinki, Finland. A slight modification by myself plays on the painting's title and is purposely aimed at bringing the public's attention to the original designer of these wonderful sculptures. 

Her name was Hilda Flodin (1877-1958)

Hilda Maria Flodin (16 March 1877 in Helsinki - 9 March, 1958) was a Finnish sculptor, painter and graphic artist. She had come from financially stable background, with her parents Frithiof Flodin and Fanny Basilier working for the State Council. While not caring for school much, a young Hilda Flodin became a better student at the age of 16 on starting art studies at the Finnish Art Society drawing school (Suomen Taideyhdistyksen piirustuskoulussa) in Helsinki (1893-1898). Here she studied her first five years under teachers Helene Schjerfbeck and Albert Gebhard. In 1899 she left to pursue her studies in Paris France, where she studied at the Académie Colarossissa.

Her early period of works consisted of mainly sculptures and graphics. Flodin at an early age also became familiar with various methods of printmaking. A Paris exhibition in 1908 included subjects such as Helsinki and clouds representing her graphic works.

However, while the Pohjola building, designed by the great Finnish architect Eliel Saarinen is in itself a fine achievement, for me Hilda Flodin's wonderful soapstone sculptures are the icing on the cake. Well worthy of some light under Saarinen's shadow. The Pohjola building, built in 1901 can be found at 44 Aleksanterinkatu in the centre of Helsinki. Constructed from granite it's an excellent example of Finnish Romantic style architecture. Here's a little video clip I made that illustrates both Eliel Saarinen and Hilda Flodin's work.







If you understand Finnish here's a good link for a closer look at the life of Hilda Flodin.

Thanks for reading my blog and please share it with all your friends.

You can receive my blogposts direct to your email or facebook profile by pressing the follow button at NetworkedBlogs  and you are welcome to visit my art page on Facebook by clicking the 'Like' button under my signature below.

-Alan 

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Stripe-show!

I just had a friend point out a fashion photo to me from a Finnish catalogue which arrived in the post yesterday. The reason for pointing it out to me was that she thought it reminded her of one of my artworks. This didn't surprise me, as I realise how easy it is to create a new design through research and modern design manipulation. In fairness, the similarities between my design and the catalogue's  design were only mild in my opinion. But I thought it was worth a blogpost at least if anything to get some publicity for myself. I reckon I need it more than any fashion catalogue! For you the reader, make your own mind up.

Here's the original ink painting I made way back in the late 1980's called 'Zebra one'.

I was inspired to create this painting by artwork I found on the insert of the american band R.E.M.'s 1984 album called 'Reckoning'. Just an example of some of the weird places I find my inspiration. 

I adapted this Zebra image to several t-shirt designs of my own also, which are only available through a website called Redbubble. While most of the customer's payment goes to the manufacturers, designers like myself only get a small percentage of the costs (€4). Unfortunately tee-shirt prices can be quite expensive, so sales don't occur too often if ever.

At least it is nice to know that some of my artwork is inspiring others, as perhaps in this case below.

Zebra one: The Anttila version (left) and my version (right)

   

The fashion catalogue called NetAnttila  has also produced a reversed image top on sale which can be seen here. I won't publish a photo of Anttila's version, but instead here's a photo of someone modelling my special reversed zebra design called  'Neon Zebra'.

But be warned Anttila! 

Pinch this design and I'll be coming to get you!!!

You may like to read an article called 'Finding you Inspiration' by american social media specialist Alexandra Mecoli, which describes more about my inspiration for this painting.

Thanks for reading my blog and feel free to share with all your friends.

-Alan

You are welcome to visit my art page on Facebook by clicking the 'Like' button here.

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Hogan's Heroes of Music - Manic Street Preachers

"Most of the posts on this blog are art-related. So I wanted to include a regular posting dedicated to music, another art form which inspires me. Unfortunately (or should that be fortunately?) I don't play any musical instruments myself, but I do love to listen! This series of blog posts will cover just a few of the musicians and bands who I have admired and listened to over the years. I won't be listing my favorites in any particular order. Some of you reading this will most likely have your own opinions and views on the bands mentioned. And some of you will have your own favorites which I may not list. But for now I am just going to list off a few of my personal faves. You are welcome to add any comments below after reading. Thanks!"

- Alan Hogan

Manic Street Preachers - photo by Julian Broad.

Manic Street Preachers

The Manic Street Preachers are on my Heroes of music list for several reasons. Firstly, they brought a kick-ass attitude to a somewhat boring year of music for me when they first arrived on the scene. The year was 1991 and the music charts were full of boring and unimaginative tunes, with a few exceptions. It was a year full of re-releases and greatest hits. The summer of 1991 was held hostage by Bryan Adams and his number one hit single '(Every thing I do) I do it for you'. You couldn't turn on the airwaves and not hear it being played. While it wasn't a bad tune, it felt as though mainstream radio was plagued by this song. 

Anyway, one day while watching a tv show I witnessed this new band called the Manic Street Preachers singing a tune called 'Motown Junk' and I said "wow, that'll do for me!".  

After being somewhat disappointed by another favorite band of mine R.E.M. and their 1991 'Out of Time' album release for it's lack of guts and energy, seeing the Manic Street Preachers' 'Motown Junk' being played live on my tv screen was a welcome treat. The song itself was a great introduction to a band who were critical of the world, culture, politics and even iconic idols. While they may have been seen as new wave rebels singing about such controversial topics, I was more focused on the musical energy and fresh attitude this band were dishing out.

This four-piece band from Blackwood in Wales continued to gain notice, credibility and success in the early 1990's when in 1995 their main lyricist and rhythm guitarist Richey Edwards vanished. The musician, who then suffered from dispression has since never been found and in 2008 was officially announced as 'presumed dead'. After his disappearance in 1995 the band continued and in 1996 they released their acclaimed album 'Everything must go'. It contained lyrics for five songs by Richey Edwards. Here's one of the tracks he wrote from the album, and it's also a favorite of mine called 'Kevin Carter'.

Unfortunately I have not kept up with the Manic's releases after the year 2000. Although, while I still listen to their earlier work, I hope to get to listen to more of their recent albums soon in time. I would also like to see the band live in concert someday. 

Perhaps I'll come back here one day and update this blog. But for now, here's lead man for the Manic's, James Dean Bradfield singing two more of my favorite songs. The first song below was their first UK number one and it's also in the Guinness Book of Records as the number one single with the longest title without brackets. It's called 'If you tolerate this your children will be next'. The second song 'Motorcycle Emptiness' is from their 1992 debut album 'Generation Terrorists'. It's a full-on melodic tune said to be about capitalism and it's fake reality. Good Stuff!!!

Manic Street Preachers

Thanks for reading my blog and please share it with all your friends. I also recommend reading about Manic Street Preachers on allmusic. There's also a Finnish website called MANIC FINLAND.

Read more Hogan's Heroes of Music

The Beatles

Share this blog!

Thanks for reading my blog and please feel free to share it with any of your friends.

You can receive my blogposts direct to your email or facebook profile by pressing the follow button at NetworkedBlogs  and you are welcome to visit my art page on Facebook by clicking the 'Like' button under my signature below.

- Alan 

                     

Helsinki Artoteque celebrates 17 years!

Last weekend I was invited to birthday celebrations held at an art gallery in Helsinki. But this wasn't just any art gallery, this particular gallery was called Artoteque, or Taidelainaamo in Finnish. 

This gallery is situated on Rikhardinkatu, only a five minute walk from the main Esplanade walkway, right in the heart of Helsinki. The gallery is part of the Rikhardinkatu library, a fine old building also worth a visit.

The street entrance to Artoteque (left) which is situated only a few steps away from the main entrance to Rikhardinkatu Library (right). 

On this occasion I was greeted with a nice cup of coffee and some biscuits served to me by the lovely Eeva Muona, manager of the Rikhardinkatu Artoteque. On this day they were celebrating 17 years since the gallery was established back in 1995.  The Artoteque displays works of art by members of the Helsinki Artists' Association, which comprise of over 700 professional artists. The selection of art works include 3000 paintings, drawings, graphics, sculptures and photographs. I must mention and say a special thank you to Riitta, a friendly and informative lady working at the gallery who talked to me during my visit. The Artoteque is open every Tuesday to Friday,12.00-18.00 and Saturday/Sunday, 12.00-16.00.

The main collection and reception area at the Artoteque in Helsinki.

The concept of the Artoteque allows members of the public to come and view art from a selection of Helsinki's best professional artists. If interested they have the option to buy or rent the artworks available. Customers can also be private persons, corporations or organisations. The idea of paying for a piece of art through installments is quite refreshing for me as an artist. I realise that purchasing a piece of art can sometimes be expensive, so I think it's good to have such a set-up in place. It makes art more accessible to those who really desire a certain work but can't afford the full cost immediately. It may also suit those looking to purchase from a notable artist as an investment.

I can't imagine this arrangement would work everywhere however. I guess a high level of trust and respect must be adhered to between the customer and the seller for it to work smoothly. But then, trust is taken very seriously here in Finland, so it doesn't seem to come into the equation too often. There are a few similar artoteques to this in other cities and towns around Finland, but I have been informed that the Rikhardinkatu Artoteque has the largest selection of artists and artworks to choose from in Finland.

My own impression from my visit last weekend was one of inspiration and ideas. I found the variety of styles, colours and techniques that surrounded me truthfully inspiring. I am always seeking to adapt new ideas and techniques to progress my own art, and I wasn't short here! Also, in commercial matters I have only ever sold my art in one single payment, whether it be selling locally or to someone on the other side of the world. Having said this, if I suddenly receive any interests from clients in Finland enquiring about either renting or buying my work through installments I would certainly consider it.

To sell your art at Artoteque you must be a member of Helsinki Artists Association. Which is why I paused with the thought of joining this association. But the fact is that I would need to be a resident of Helsinki to qualify for membership to both the association and the gallery. Nevermind, I took with me back to my home in Karis a bucketful of thoughts and plenty of ideas for my own artwork.

This little anniversary celebration was filmed by YLE, the Finnish national television broadcaster, which you can check out here at 05.50 on this link. YLE news

The footage is of course in Finnish, but you can see some of the wonderful art and layout of the gallery. And you have the bonus of watching me looking like I know something about art. Don't blink now or you'll miss me!!!

Happy Birthday Artoteque!

Thanks for reading my blog and feel free to share with all your friends.

-Alan

You are welcome to visit my art page on Facebook by clicking the 'Like' button here.

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