Featured Artist Harry Salmi

Finnish artist Harry Salmi presents a high-energy portfolio of colorful abstract works created using innovative techniques. View more of his portfolio here.

 

 

I want to surprise myself in my studio with new ways of expression. My idea is to tell a visual story about the strength of the mind and the heart with Finnish grit.

 

 

My artistic thinking has helped me to see differently and broadened my cultural perspective as a visual artist. It has also inspired my creativity and my desire to paint more. I paint abstract layers and rhythms on canvas.

 

 

Painting is like playing the piano. Both require joint coordination of the mind, eyes and hands, with heart. My images are formed by reducing the variations in the intensities of line, surface, point, color, mass and shape.

 

 

For me, the process of painting is becoming alive with emotion, an exciting adventure, believing in courage and growth. The right mindset is the key to my artistic pursuits. I have more energy for work. I feel alive when I paint. If I have been in a low mood, working is difficult. I take care of my mental health with sports, relaxation exercises, winter swimming and gratitude.

 

 

I’m a pioneer, experimenter and master of new acrylic techniques. I paint with acrylic markers, spray, inks, heavy-body gel and tube paints. I combine the tools of acrylic technique and look for new ways of visual expression. The contrast triggers strong feelings in my artwork.

 

 

Using completely new methods, I build my own tools with which I work the image on the canvas. I paint layers and also remove layers, wiping off the paint and painting again, slowly or quickly.

 

 

My inspiration and artistic expression come from various influences, such as international abstract art, contemporary art, jazz music, street art and hip-hop culture.

 

 

I’m also interested in social situations at the opening of my art exhibitions. Conversations with exhibition visitors and art collectors bring perspective to my thinking about my visual art. I want to ask art collectors: What do they focus on in their art collections in terms of artists? And what made you start collecting art?

 

Harry Salmi invites you to follow him on Instagram.

 

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