artist statement
As an artist, I create animations and illustrations with an archaic aesthetic. I explore themes such as the relationship between humans and nature, and empathy towards the living and the inanimate. I draw inspiration from Estonian folklore to find connections between past and present worldviews.
I usually start the process by designing visuals, which stem from a specific emotion. It's important for me to capture a certain mood or atmosphere with my work and evoke it in the audience. Often, I seek out images or musical pieces that evoke a corresponding feeling in me and try to create something similar with my own style. My goal with my works is typically to create a primal and mystical atmosphere that captivates viewers and sparks curiosity in them. I draw inspiration from animism, the belief in spirits—in addition to living beings, inanimate objects and natural phenomena are also imbued with life. I find it exciting to depict immaterial phenomena or beings without physical bodies, such as souls. I believe that this approach allows for the creation of surprising and magical visuals that seem to come from another world. Similarly, I approach location design, aiming to create environments that feel alien and mystical.
I combine analog and digital techniques in my work to either blend them into a cohesive whole or create contrast between them. I'm interested in traditional charcoal animation and enjoy its rough appearance. Charcoal drawings bring an organic and earthy element to the work, emphasizing its naturalness. Digital methods involve smooth character and effects animation, which help create an exciting contrast to hand-drawn elements. Additionally, I focus on dynamism and capturing fluid movement in my creations. The message or story often arises from the visuals, drawing inspiration from myths and fairy tales. I aim to evoke a sense of wonder similar to that found in these old narratives with my stories.
As an artist, I express mystery and depth that one could endlessly dive into. I pay attention to the importance of heritage in the modern world and establish a connection with my ancestors. Unearthing ancient beliefs feels like discovering a treasure and carries a magical quality. I want to offer the enchantment of discovering this folklore to people from different generations.