Born in Finland, self-taught artist Hermanni Pellinen started making paintings and portraits as a teenager. He decided to pursue art taking inspiration from his father’s abstract art. But it was in the year 2020 when things took a drastic turn. He was spending his honeymoon at the lighthouse when he had a brain stroke, after which he had to spend seven months at home. Not losing the will power, he trained back to life.
Hermanni then took a paintbrush and started to paint all about his past life, frustrations, and sorrows. He says, “I consider my art as a tool to put sorrow away, let go fears and phobias. I want to heal people with my art and put caring and love in every artwork! My art contains powerful emotions!”
Q. How did your journey as an artist begin?
A. My father and grandfather were both artists and that’s where my first lessons began. Practicing every day made me realize my love for it. As I grew older, I started painting. Started with practicing landscapes, then some portraits and animals. When it was time for me to choose a career, everyone advised that as an artist I would not earn enough to support myself. So, I studied to be a practical nurse and was in that profession for 20 years. It was in 2020, after the brain stroke that I began to be understand the importance of life, love and family. I painting named ‘heal’ and tried to connect to the whole universe with this painting. Three of my works called Heal, Defending Healer, and Brain reset were posted online I and got to participate in the Milan International Virtual Art Exhibition at the same time. The art exhibition has strengthened my artistic development and self-confidence which resulted in the artist finally peeling off his shell after 20 years of waiting!
Q. What does art mean to you?
A. For me, art means freedom, joy, energy, love, self-expression, comfort, and understanding. Art makes it possible to dispel pent[1]up traumas and fears. Through my art, I wish to communicate joy, hope, love and care. Art can be done by anyone and is a universal way to bring out yourself and your own deepest feelings.
Q. Who was the strongest influence you had when in your growing up days?
A. I have had strong influences in my life. Firstly, my dad got me excited about the whole thing! Secondly, all the great artists in the world: Dali, Van Gogh, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, etc. Also, great musicians have influenced my art and life very much! Finnish musicians: Pelle Miljoona, Andy Mc Coy, Dave Lindholm, Ismo Alanko etc. World musicians/Bands: Nirvana, Red hot chili peppers, Ramones, Queen, David Bowie, Bob Marley, Madonna, etc.
Q. Ever since you had the brain stroke how has it affected your art?
A. After the stroke, I was pretty paralyzed at first. But when I realized I survived, I wanted to take everything out of myself! I wanted to show the world how one person can struggle, fight, do their best, believe in themselves and their dreams. I always wanted to be an artist, and I am one now because I chose to be. I push forward and do not give up. This is what the stroke caused. It did a brain reset for me.
Q. Are there any specific subjects or themes you use regularly in your art?
A. I see myself as a versatile artist and don’t want to compartmentalize myself into any single mold. My intention is to make all kinds of art like abstract art, portraits, landscapes, oil paints, photographs, charcoal drawings. Sometimes while waiting for the bus, I draw something on the ground with my shoe and often take a photo of it and put it on Instagram. Whenever I see anything interesting, I want to make it a work of art.
Q. Out of all your extraordinary artworks, which are the ones that you are immensely proud of?
A. I am proud of every artwork. They all are very important to me, all the first ones, they are naive, but contain some deep stuff inside. From my latest ones Heal, King Eagle, Black Fire are the ones I like very much.
Q. What is that one line of quote that you abide by in your life or you would like others to follow?
A. “Love yourself, so you can love others”.
Q. Where can the art enthusiasts buy your artwork?
A. My studio is called Hemart Artworks is located in Jyväskylä Finland. To know more about my work, please head on to my website: www.he-mart.com and my Instagram @hermannipellinen.
Q. What message and advice do you have for the readers?
A. Be grateful for your life, and don’t take it for granted. No one is you and that is your power. You are special, Trust yourself. Do things now, life can end anytime, we don’t know when. Love and respect everyone.