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,' a term that characterizes a forest teeming with a rich tapestry of plant life and vibrant flora.
Journey into the Heart of Nature and Artistic Expression
“I reside 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. To me, it's essential to inhale the freshness of the air and unwind my mind in nature. The delicate rustle of the wind softly caressing trees and leaves brings me profound joy. Beauty and harmony act as a nurturing balm for my soul, compelling me to find solace in the embrace of the forest whenever the opportunity arises.
Nevertheless, my life remains busy and hectic, filled with the stresses of daily work and the exhaustion from demanding city life. Seeking a balance and yearning to deepen my connection with nature, I refer not only to our beautiful forests and wildlife but also to nature – the true inner essences within us. The essence of being alive, the core of my own nature. The 'Soul Landscapes – Inspired by Nature' art collection serve as manifestations of this exploration, where inner worlds and reconnection to nature seamlessly converge. Honoring the forests and wildlife takes center stage in my work. My deepest hope is for the harmonious relationship between humans and nature to bloom once more.”
CRAFTED WITH LOVE
Before each painting session, I take the time to clean up my space and engage in meditation. Consistently, I prepare a cup of cacao and light candles to set the mood. 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 19 years dedicated to the study of yoga and various meditation techniques, her exploration extends to ancient traditions, encompassing cultures from India, Tibet, and Peru. To deepen her understanding of these rich traditions, Marianne has periodically lived 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, earned 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 deep into the Heart of Nature through Instagram. Let's explore and be inspired together! 🤍
