Visual Artist & Photographer
MARIANNE VALONLEHTO
Original Artwork
VALONLEHTO
Surround yourself with beauty and harmony: and create more beauty wherever you go
Valonlehto is derived from two Finnish words: 'valo,' meaning light, and 'lehto,' which refers to a forest brimming with a rich tapestry of plant life and vibrant flora.
Journey into the Heart of Nature and Artistic Expression
“I live in a city near the capital. Fortunately, Finland, being a small and sparsely populated country, offers the blessing of clean forests and a sense of expansive surroundings. For me, it’s essential to breathe in the freshness of the air and let my mind unwind in nature. The delicate rustle of the wind as it softly caresses the trees and leaves brings me profound joy. Beauty and harmony serve as a nurturing balm for my soul, drawing me to seek solace in the embrace of the forest whenever I can.
In my quest for balance and a deeper connection with nature, I seek not only the whispers of the forest and wildlife but also a resonance with the true inner essence of being alive – the core of my own nature. The 'Soul Landscapes – Inspired by Nature' art collection is a manifestation of this exploration, where inner worlds and a reconnection with nature converge seamlessly. Honoring the forests and wildlife is at the heart of my work. My greatest hope is for a harmonious relationship between humans and nature to bloom once again.”
CRAFTED WITH LOVE
Before each painting session, I take the time to clean up my space and center myself through meditation. I prepare a cup of ceremonial cacao and light candles to awaken the right inner experiential state. In the initial moments of the session, I meditate, inviting beautiful and healing energies to inspire my work.
I prefer the tactile experience of painting with my bare hands, allowing me to intimately connect with the colors and canvas. However, when it comes to finishing details, I use brushes and various tools. My approach extends beyond traditional painting tools, as I enjoy exploring innovative methods to express colors on the canvas.
Typically, my paintings are one meter by one meter in size, primarily using acrylic and aquarelle color paints. Each piece is created with love, employing high-quality materials, including premium canvases and rich pigments. I personally stretch the canvases, utilizing only high-quality stretcher bars.
“As an artist, my goal is to contribute more beauty and harmony to the world. I aspire for my art to be not only inspiring but also opening and healing. My deepest wish is that it evokes positive feelings and fosters a sense of connection. In the current state of our world, I believe that what is needed most is a genuine, open-hearted connection.”
Marianne Valonlehto, a Finnish visual artist and photographer, imbues her work with a unique blend of artistic expression and profound exploration. With over 20 years of studying yoga and various meditation techniques, her exploration extends to ancient traditions, encompassing cultures from India, Tibet, and Peru. To deepen her understanding of these traditions, Marianne has spent extended periods living in both India and Peru. Additionally, she has immersed herself in exploring the ancient natural wisdom of northern European countries.
Professionally, Valonlehto holds a degree in visual communication with a major in photography from the Lahti Institute of Design. Her art studio, located in Espoo, Finland, serves as a creative hub. She is a member of Suomen Taiteilijat ry, HIAA Helsinki International Artists' Association, and The Union of Finnish Art Associations.
Embark with me on a captivating journey into the heart of Nature through Instagram. Let's explore and be inspired together 🤍
AVAILABLE PAINTINGS
Here is a selection of available paintings. If the painting you are interested in has already been sold, you can always request a commissioned work. Shipping from the online store is only available within Finland, but shipping outside Finland is possible by arrangement.
