Martina Snåre

Year of birth: 1980
Where do you live: Pargas, Finland
Your education: Master of Laws from University of Turku
Describe your art in three words: Authentic emotions embedded
Your discipline: painting, sculpturing, design – and Law of course 🙂
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Can you share the inspiration behind your recent solo exhibition at Galleria Dromig in Helsinki?

My art is my secret hideaway where I can express my feelings and feel free from pressure and expectations from the rest of the world. I create a world of my own where I try to reach some sort of inner serenity despite all the terrible things happening in the world right now. During my solo exhibition, Serenity Unveiled, I sought to convey the emotions of an inner fight toward achieving peace. When Russia escalated its military invasion of Ukraine in 2022, it affected my emotions, as well as those of many other Finns, in a profoundly new way. My grandparents lived in Finland through the war against Russia, and undoubtedly, many of us Finns carried unresolved fears and emotions that surfaced in various ways as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine unfolded in the manner it did.
We wanted—and still want—to help those who are suffering, as we can grasp the reality that it could just as easily have been us. Yet, we feel an overwhelming sense of helplessness. We carry a deep historical understanding of suffering, but we also have many emotions that need processing. Part of my own processing took place while I was painting for the exhibition Serenity Unveiled. Some of the works, such as the work Peace please also has a very clear message.

How do you find balance between painting, sculpture, and design in your creative process?

I have periods when I only focus on painting and other periods where sculpturing and design is in focus. This is a natural way for me to work. I feel that working with different media nourishes my creativity, and I often draw ideas from my own sculptures or paintings to incorporate into another medium.

Martina Snåre, Awake

Your art has been described as a “secret oasis” where you can “hide and breathe.” Can you elaborate on how this philosophy influences your work?

As a person I am very sensitive and I constantly need to engage with and confront my emotions. Given that I also work as a lawyer, while also having a family and managing a household, my life is incredibly busy. That’s why it’s so essential for me to find moments of peace and dedicate time solely to myself and my emotions. The art that comes from these moments is a result of emotional processing and a release of creativity. I believe this is why it resonates so strongly and is appreciated—it stems from a place of unforced creativity and authentic emotion. Art has always been my hiding place – ever since I was a small child. As a child I struggled with severe selective mutism for many years, and art became my primary means of expression and I created a hidden world for myself. This is also the reason why it was so hard for me to exhibit my paintings for the first time in the solo exhibition in the Sibelius museum in Turkun in 2022. I felt naked and exposed. I still do when somebody comments or asks me questions about my art. Still, I am happy to take part in this interview – although I am stepping far outside my comfort zone.

What role does public art play in your career, especially with projects like the large outdoor sculptures in Pargas city center?

The sculpture project is one of the hilarius projects I’ve done in my whole life. Embarking on challenging projects with like-minded people is an experience that’s beyond words. And I love public art because it makes art accessible for everyone. The best thing is that it can inspire people and people’s feelings in unpredictable ways. It can also strengthen the sense of belonging.

What was your experience collaborating with the city of Pargas on a public art project?

It was very fruitful and inspiring. Pargas is a small village in the heart of the Finnish archipelago. Pargas stands out when it comes to a sense of community and social responsibility.

Martina Snåre, Peace please

How has your work evolved after participating in events like Konstrundan?

Konstrundan is an event for professional artists opening up their art studios in Finland. It is a very important event for artists and gives you nice publicity.

How does the Finnish cultural and natural landscape influence your art?

The Finnish cultural and natural landscape has a profound influence on my art. Growing up in the Finnish archipelago, I’ve always been surrounded by the sea, vast forests and the ever-changing seasons. I find that the tranquility and stillness of the Finnish landscape provide a space for introspection, allowing me to process my emotions and translate them into visual forms.