Eija Keskinen

I came to the Saari Residence in search of both a quiet space and time to focus on finishing sketches for a custom order. The sketches will eventually hopefully become works of art for a new kindergarten in Ruskeasuo, Helsinki and form part of its visual identity. The wintry countryside here fascinates me: the composed, almost flawless beauty of nature in Western Finland and the manor’s little birds inspire me. Ancient, noble trees surround the area. I look at their branches, stripped bare for the winter; they are a little like people, extending into many different dimensions and made up of multiple layers. I want to sketch a safe bird house, Lintula, to be used by many different noble seedlings, all equally precious. I think of things I like and I hope that their transition onto paper will please and bring joy to others as well.

I bring with me to the Saari Residence a large briefcase of paper and five assortments of coloured pencils. A light and spacious atelier is situated in an old barn and I could not hope for a better view to unfold from the window.