About Me

I am a contemporary painter and art teacher with a bold, original style, living and working in Võru, South Estonia. It is truly special region, surrounded by magnificent, ancient nature. In these quiet borderlands, something old and precious still endures - and it is here that my deep connection to art was formed.

I graduated from Tartu Art School in 1982, studying under artists like Lola Liivat, Paul Saar, Endel Taniloo, Helle Vahersalu, Jaan Paris and others, and from the Institute of Arts at Tallinn University in 2009 (MA), where my lecturers included Linda Elken, Lilian Mosolainen, Renee Aua, Orest Kormašov, Valev Sein, Urmas Viik and others. Over the years I have worked in various art-related roles. For a long time I worked as an art teacher, served as the head of an art school, and was a board member of the Estonian Art Schools Association. Today I paint daily in my studio, teach art courses and classes, and lead thematic workshops.

Since 1998 I have participated in exhibitions, held more than ten solo exhibitions, and taken part in numerous group exhibitions. Since 2023 I have been working as a freelance artist, and since 2025 I have been a member of the Estonian Painters' Association.

For me, art is a process of discovering and expressing the feelings and beliefs that lie deep within. This journey requires great courage and passion. To create art, I need a particular harmony of energy and ideas, and the sense of freedom gives it momentum. Ideas come to me quietly. They sit beside me and accompany me everywhere until they are ready to answer the questions of why and how. I am in love with warm, rich color tones. Different textures add individuality and depth to my work. And one more thing – I feel and know that my paintings have sound: in one, water rushes; in another, leaves rustle, insects hum, or the wind calls.

In recent years I have had many opportunities to paint, and it brings me great happiness. Through my work I hope to share the passion, warmth, and joy it holds. I hope my paintings speak to many people and inspire them to see the brighter side of the world.