Julia Valtanen lives and works in Tallinn, Estonia. The main area of her work right now is painting and collages made of paper.
How did you get into art?
I graduated with a master’s degree in graphic design, and during my studies we had a painting course, since then, even working as a graphic designer I always had in my head that I should go back to painting and that's what I want to do.
How would you describe your style? What makes your work special?
In my work, I like to combine abstract forms and realistic objects but make them strange, as if they were from another world. I leave the viewer with hints so that they can move around and imagine their own world through my paintings.
How do you go about developing your work?
I don’t make final sketches before starting work. I like to leave elements of chance when an idea comes up during the work that I can immediately use. I have a sketchbook that I use to collect images that have intrigued me. And I can also use these sketches in my paintings.
Who or what influences you?
I love to read old legends and tales and study old books, the connection with ancient times always fascinates me. I like to be inspired by what I see and rethink certain things in my work.
Make us curious. What is planned next?
I have a few ideas when I would like to go beyond the canvas and create an installation as an extension of the world I create in my paintings.
