Original artwork description:

A study for a local open call in Helsinki inspired by a recently celebrated 1st of May feast, Vappu in Finnish.

This piece is meant to convey a certain retro mood and an emotional state. It depicts a young woman who has arrived in Helsinki — the capital of Finland — from a remote region of the country. She comes with hope: to study, to work, to stay, and to build a new life in this city. Life here is not easy; much is unfamiliar and uncertain, but she doesn’t give up. She studies, works hard, and does her best. Her gaze is directed upward—with faith and hope. She stands firmly, trying to remain grounded in her actions and intentions.

Behind her is a replicated image of a Finnish postage stamp featuring Helsinki’s central railway station — an actual stamp from the online collection of Finland"s Postal Museum. In the foreground, there’s an old postal cancellation mark, once used more than a hundred years ago.

The sun rays spreading in the background symbolize hope, and her gaze follows them. The stamp and the postal mark are not just decorative elements—they represent her connection to her family, who remained in the countryside. She writes to them, sharing the moments of her new life.

This piece is also somewhat autobiographical. Through it, I wanted to express my admiration for all hard-working, strong, honest and persistent people — there are a lot of them among Finns. It’s my small tribute of love and respect to the folks I live among.

Oil and actrylic on uncradled wood panel
Varnished
Size H30 x W20 x D0.2 cm

PLEASE KINDLY NOTE:
- the colors in life may slightly vary from the photo due to lighting sources or monitor settings.
- the parcel will be sent from Finland. Should the delivery address be outside the EU, the recipient may need to declare the painting and pay some local VAT and customs duties.

Materials used:

oil on wood board

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