Your name
Vilma Leino
Place of birth
Turku, Finland
Place where you live now
Berlin, Germany
3 words to describe you
weird, impulsive, peaceful
Why do you take pictures?
I take pictures to understand better. To understand the world, myself and everything surrounding me. It is a way for me to explore, play and have fun and at the same time it is a way for me to hide, isolate and listen to my thoughts and feelings.
Where do you get your inspiration?
I trust my subconscious and I believe the best inspiration is born from thoughts we can’t control. I also dream a lot, and often bring my dreams to reality with photographs. There are also more physical things that inspire me, for example peculiar architecture, interesting shapes, vibrant colours and well composed sceneries with a little bit of imperfection.
Who are your influences?
David Bowie, Ren Hang, Pipilotti Rist, Yayoi Kusama, Imogen Cunningham, Francesca Woodman, Hayao Miyazaki, Tove Jansson
What determines the subject matter you choose?
When I start taking photos I usually don’t have a specific subject matter. I trust impulses, try to keep my mind blank, and always after I have created the artwork I use time to “study” it and I realise why I created this specific piece and why it was important for me.
What impact would you like your art to have?
I believe that art is a way to change our world and society, and I also believe that art has a huge impact on us as individuals. Especially now, when everything is strange and taking care of our mental health is even more important than before, I would love to and I have seen art having a positive impact on people’s mental health. Art can be used as therapy, as well as an expression or escape. It doesn’t really matter what it is or what it is about, if it makes you feel good that’s what’s most important.
What artwork do you never get bored with?
I absolutely adore the piece “Ever is over all” by Pipilotti Rist. Could watch that one on and on forever.
Is there anything you want to add?
No
