“Drawings fly, paintings smile…”
Paul Zimmerman in conversation with Pirjo Hassinen
Paul Zimmerman: How did you develop interest in art?
Pirjo Hassinen: My family on my mothers side have done crafts always what I have look all my childhood and then I started to do crafts too and draw. As 17 years old I wonder the life plans what I want to do and paint and draw and think is the Art my future plan seriously. Then, I see dream that I wanted to paint the sun and I stood there in my dream high in the working room and see the sea in the window and high waves and then, the sun. That’s it. Good life and challenging ideas are important.
PZ: What is the most challenging aspect of your work?
PH: Difficult to say. To keep idiots away, maybe. (Hah, just kidding).
PZ: What is your artistic process? How do you create your paintings?
PH: At first I decide what I want to create. I decide the painting colors and size. I like to work quickly. Sometimes painting takes time.
PZ: How do you know when the piece is finished?
PH: I see that and can think thoughts inside the picture clearly.
PZ: Has your practice changed over time?
PH: Yes, it has changed. Nowadays, for example, I draw quickly and I like to do one line the hole picture.
PZ: What is art for you?
PH: Art is for me sunshine, life and critic. Art is for me positive view about life questions. Art is the answer.
PZ: How would you describe yourself as an artist?
PH: I am as an artist the new morning bird.
PZ: Which artists are you most influenced by?
PH: I think the artist is Leonardo da Vinci.
PZ: What are you working on now?
PH: I am planing my new exhibitions here in Finland and something else too. Drawings fly, paintings smile.
PZ: How does the pandemic influence your work and sensibility?
PH: The pandemic put thoughts (out that) throw all the life scene. What we people are, what we people can do good to the world.