Sirpa Sinikka Lappalainen
Basic information
b. 1958, Imatra
Visual Artist, Painter and Printmaker
Residence: HYVINKÄÄ
Contact information
Email: sirpaslappalainen(at)gmail.com
Artist’s Statement
Inside me is the great painter who sees beautiful colors everywhere, and at all times, even in every day contexts, like people’s clothes. My mind is fascinated by sunrises and sunsets because the colors are then particularly full and strong. The theme of movement captures my imagination and has since the 1980s. It has combined with my working aim to paint light, the movement of water or figures in the style of the Impressionists. I was painting figures with different internal emotions already in my diploma year, 1984. In my earlier work there was less external movement.
My first professional studies at the beginning of the 1980s concentrated on all fine arts technologies including the basic skills of printmaking. At the beginning I was not very interested in printmaking but by the 1990s I was. Therefore I took an 8-month course in the basic techniques of printmaking as well as the new photography techniques. I was still mentally a painter but from time to time one part of my work turned to printmaking. For my supplementary studies at the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome in the years 2009 – 2011, I concentrated on printmaking and the photographic aspects of my work as a painter.
I have always photographed a lot. In my work a camera takes on the role of the pen; it supports my thought process. I work out ideas very much by thinking, in other words I hardly make sketches at all. The photograph is the stimulating element in the first phase of the work process and is its support.
My first professional studies at the beginning of the 1980s concentrated on all fine arts technologies including the basic skills of printmaking. At the beginning I was not very interested in printmaking but by the 1990s I was. Therefore I took an 8-month course in the basic techniques of printmaking as well as the new photography techniques. I was still mentally a painter but from time to time one part of my work turned to printmaking. For my supplementary studies at the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome in the years 2009 – 2011, I concentrated on printmaking and the photographic aspects of my work as a painter.
I have always photographed a lot. In my work a camera takes on the role of the pen; it supports my thought process. I work out ideas very much by thinking, in other words I hardly make sketches at all. The photograph is the stimulating element in the first phase of the work process and is its support.
Current information
UPCOMING:Lahti Graphic Artists Association, 45th anniversary exhibition,
Heinola Art Museum, 24.1. - 1.3.2026.
