What really matters Painting

My journey as an artist began in childhood, when I first experienced the enchantment of art. I vividly remember drawing streams of orange lava from an erupting volcano in kindergarten. Those bright, pulsating colors and shapes left an indelible impression on my young mind. My mother also inspired me greatly with her watercolor works, which she had painted in her youth and kept in a special folder at home. I often took out this folder and pored over her paintings, which depicted portraits of beautiful women. It was then that I first felt the desire to learn how to draw. As I grew older, the works of two Estonian artists profoundly influenced me. The first was Yuri Arrak. I saw his paintings for the first time in a fish market in the old town of Tallinn. His works depicted fishermen with large eyes and red heads, carrying enormous fish in their hands. These figures, shown in profile, reminded me of the people depicted in the Egyptian papyrus replicas hanging in our home. The second artist who left a significant mark on me was Lembit Sarapuu. I stumbled upon reproductions of his paintings in a magazine at home. I remember how deeply his images captivated me, holding me in a trance-like state. His paintings opened a world of fantasy and extraordinary imagery, where the boundaries between humans and nature were blurred. His works often featured numerous naked male and female figures, some engaged in scenes of copulation. These powerful images left a lasting impression on me, revealing a world where different forms of life coexisted in harmony. A pivotal moment in my life was my time in London, where I lived in a squat for almost a year, surrounded by creative individuals. This period was transformative, as I realized my true calling. Encounters with diverse artists and musicians inspired me to aspire for something greater than just a conventional job. I understood then that I wanted to dedicate my life to art and learn to create independently. Upon returning from London, I resolved to follow my dream and enrolled in the Estonian Academy of Arts. There, I immersed myself in the world of art with renewed energy and determination. My studies at the Academy were not only an opportunity to deepen my knowledge and skills but also a guiding star on my path to self-realization in art. During my time at the Academy and after graduation, many artists deeply inspired me. During my master's studies, the works of Georg Baselitz had a significant impact on me.