Archivi tag: MAJ SJÖ

Christmas atmosphere seen through the eyes of 8 Finnish artists

12 dicembre 2025 doubleg Lascia un commento

While Denmark is saying goodbye to traditional mail and will definitively cease the delivery of paper letters from 31 December 2025, in Santa Claus’s country, Christmas greeting cards will continue to be a real must.
I know that Finns use Christmas greeting cards with great pleasure and many are handmade by themselves.
Sending and receiving these greetings by post is an integral part of Finnish Christmas tradition, a symbol of love, peace and friendship, and strengthens the bond with the legendary figure of Santa Claus
Thinking about Christmas atmosphere I had the idea to ask eight incredibly talented Finnish artists to show us Christmas atmosphere through their eyes, and I must say, the result of this experiment is truly astonishing, as you’ll see.
In the article along with a brief introduction to the artist, you’ll find two paintings: the first is her Christmas atmosphere and the second is one of her favorites and both are available for sale
I invite you to visit their social media pages and websites to better understand their talent.
To Satu Kekäläinen, Mari Knuttila, Ella Petman, Meria Q, MaJ Sjö, Martina Uthardt, Ulla Väisänen and Liisa Viima a heartfelt thank you for making my idea of presenting Christmas atmosphere in a slightly different way possible.

Santa Claus Post Office has been operating since 1985 and receives over 2 million letters a year – for more information see website

Satu Kekäläinen a fairy tale born from ice

Satu Kekäläinen, she was born in Helsinki, but after living in various places across Finland, she currently lives in Lieto.
Ice is a sort of common thread that has accompanied Satu throughout her life, but artistically it all began in 2015 when, needing to find strength and breathe fresh air, she immersed herself in the nature of nearby Lake Littoistenjärvi, and since it was winter, she began photographing with her camera the figures she saw in the lake ice.
You can see her works on her Instagram and Facebook pages and website
For Christmas atmosphere, she presents: Christmas tree light
As a second photos, she presents: Fairy Cow
This ” Fairy Cow “ will be included in Kaarina’s upcoming group exhibition from January 10 to 26, 2026, at Mökkigalleria (Cottage Gallery).
It is photographed in nature, with ice. The colors in the image come from the flowers and the light from the sun.
Both photos are available for purchase on her social media pages.

Satu Kekäläinen – Christmas tree light – Valokuusi

Satu Kekäläinen – Fairy Cow – Keijulehmä

Mari Knuuttila when painting becomes poetry

Mari Knuuttila born in Lapua, a town located in Southern Ostrobothnia and where she currently lives and creates her works in her studio.
Mari has been painting for about seven years, although her main profession is that of Chief Inspector at the State Administrative Agency, a role that requires strict compliance with laws and regulations.
Through painting, Mari has found a way to give free rein to her visual art, free from rules or pre-established patterns.
You can find more information about Mari on her Instagram and Facebook pages and website
For Christmas atmosphere, she presents: Ornament Glow
As a second paintings, she presents: Shadows in Flame
Both paintings are available for purchase on her website.

Mari Knuuttila – Ornament Glow – Joulupallojen hehku

Mari Knuuttila – Shadows in Flame 81cm x 100cm

Ella Petman after a long journey she found her paradise

Ella Petman, born in Jyväskylä, central Finland, where she has lived most of her life, except for the period when she moved to Tampere while studying to join the police.
Since May 2023, Ella has begun to devote herself entirely to painting and has begun producing her works, which are mostly semi-abstract, leaving the observer complete freedom to interpret the painting according to their own vision.
You can find more information about Ella on her Instagram page and website
For Christmas atmosphere, she presents: Lights of the North
As a second painting , she presents: The Tale of the Nebula
Both paintings are available for purchase on her website.

Ella Petman – Lights of the North

Ella Petman – The Tale of the Nebula

Meria Q aka Merja Sipiläinen-Kuhlberg, a mysterious artist who believes in miracles created by the free flow of the mind

Merja Sipiläinen-Kuhlberg was born in Artjärvi (Lake of Art in english) but lives in Turku, a beautiful city on the west coast of Finland.
Meria Q became interested in art as a young girl, sketching evening dresses in her notebooks, and she cultivated this interest as a teenager by designing fabric prints.
As often happens, life sometimes takes strange turns, and Meria Q, abandoning her passion for art, took a different direction that led her into the world of marketing and business.
However, in early 2010, her artistic creativity reawakened and has been unstoppable ever since.
She learned acrylic painting during an astronomical painting course, and thanks to the guidance of excellent professional teachers, she acquired skills in mixed media and watercolor painting.
Once her artistic streak was rekindled, she began painting and drawing as much as possible.
She held her first solo exhibition in 2018, followed by numerous others.
You can find more information about Meria Q on her Instagram page and website
For Christmas atmosphere, she presents: Peace on Earth
As a second painting , she presents: Can you hear the water flowing?
Both paintings are available for purchase on her website.

Meria Q – Peace on Earth, watercolour size A5water

Meria Q – Can you hear the water flowing? – 27cmx35cm, mixed media

MAJ SJÖ from Finland comes with a breeze of positivity

Maj SJÖ, born in Helsinki, where she has a studio space in Kaapelitehdas, Finland’s largest cultural centre, but currently lives in Espoo where she also creates in her home studio.
When I first saw MaJ’s works, I immediately understood how she managed to capture and convey in her art all those small and large miracles that life can give us day after day.
Her collection of works on the Archipelago and in general on everything that is sea or water (after all, her surname SJÖ in Swedish means lake/sea) can convey incredible emotions and for those like me who have experienced the magic that Hanko can convey, looking at her paintings that portray her means reliving moments of indescribable joy and serenity.
You can find more information about Maj on her Instagram and Facebook pages and website
For Christmas atmosphere, she presents: Many reasons to smile – Acrylic on canvas, 70cmx70cm
As a second painting , she presents: Room of Vision – Oil on canvas, 40cmx40cm
Both paintings are available for purchase on her website.

MaJ Sjö – Many reasons to smile – Acrylic on canvas, 70cm x70cm

MaJ Sjö – Room of Vision – Oil on canvas, 40cmx40 cm

Martina Uthardt from Finland send a hymn to the joy of living

Martina Uthardt, born in Malax, where she currently lives in this big village and welcoming of about 5000 inhabitants in Southern Ostrobothnia, where Swedish is spoken rather than Finnish (about 6% of Finns speak Swedish)
After a 10-year stint running a photography agency specializing in portraits, Martina has dedicated herself fully to painting professionally since 2021.
She has experimented with various techniques but currently prefers acrylic painting with its possibilities for layering and variations that make each painting alive and unique in different lights.
When I first saw Martina’s paintings, I was struck by how this artist was able to perfectly represent the Finland I love so much.
You can find more information about Martina on her Instagram and Facebook pages and website
For Christmas atmosphere, she presents: Joyful Christmas – 61cmx50cm
As a second painting , she presents: held by Light Collection, ” Breeze-kissed waves “, 120cmx100cm
Both paintings are available for purchase on her website.

Martina Uthardt – Joyful Christmas – 61cmx50cm

Martina Uthardt – “Breeze-kissed waves”- 120cmx100 cm

Ulla Väisänen from Finland between dream and reality!

Ulla Väisänen, born in Nerkoo, Lapinlahti, a small village in central Finland.
Ulla currently lives in Jyväskylä, a beautiful city that offers the opportunity to live what I call “a Finnish life” where quality of life is definitely at the top of the scale of values for living a good life.
Studied at Kuopio Academy of Design (Textile art, designer) and pedagogy at Tampere Open University
You won’t believe it but when she was young, after watching Fellini’s film “La Strada”, she fell in love with Italy and even started studying Italian.
I don’t know if the vision of this masterpiece by Fellini, where fantasy and reality often alternate, has somehow influenced the artistic vein of Ulla who began drawing and painting as a teenager, certainly her art is a well-calibrated mix of symbolism, surrealism and a bit of realism.
Her works can be viewed and requested through her social channels, Instagram ( ullamirjam ) and Facebook ( Ulla Väisänen )
For Christmas atmosphere, she presents the card : ” A Christmas elf girl sends greetings in the form of stars “
As a second painting , she presents: ” Angry birds ” – 90cm x70cm, she painted it in 2003 and finished it by adding more birds in 2025
The painting is available for purchase on her social media pages.

Ulla Väisänen – A Christmas elf girl sends greetings in the form of stars

Ulla Väisänen – Angry birds – 90cmx70cm

Liisa Viima – It’s never too late to bring joy and beauty into the world

Liisa Viima, born in Oulu and currently based in Espoo.
Although she began painting as a teenager and dreamed of becoming a professional artist, she chose a more conventional path, earning a master’s degree in economics and dedicating herself to her family, including raising two daughters and caring for horse – her lifelong passion.
After facing significant life challenges, Liisa experienced a personal transformation that led her back to her original calling: painting.
Her mission became clear – to bring joy and beauty into the world through her art.
Liisa’s style is contemporary and abstract, often infused with elements of realism, surrealism, and even whimsy.
Recurring themes in her work include humanity, love, and forgiveness, expressed through symbolic imagery such as faces, hearts, stars, hands, the moon, pigeons and also horses.
For Liisa, horses represent courage and nobility values that have guided her life and artistic journey.
You can find more information about Liisa on her Instagram and Facebook pages and website
For Christmas atmosphere, she presents: ” Liisa ” 2022 – 60cm x90cm x2cm, it’s a Finnish horse that pulls logs with twice its weight in the cold and the painting is based on “Liisa“, the family mare from Mikko Niskanen blockbuster film
As a second painting , she presents: ” Coeur des Coeurs ” 2023 – 90cm x90cmx4cm, represents Christ after suffering, when everything has been done and forgiven.
Both paintings are available for purchase on her website.

Liisa Viima – Coeur des Coeurs – 90cmx90cmx4cm

Click on the photos to enlarge them

Satu Kekäläinen – Christmas tree light – Valokuusi

Mari Knuuttila – Ornament Glow – Joulupallojen hehku

Ella Petman – Lights of the North

Meria Q – Peace on Earth, watercolour size A5water

MaJ Sjö – Many reasons to smile – Acrylic on canvas, 70cm x70cm

Martina Uthardt – Joyful Christmas – 61cmx50cm

Ulla Väisänen – A Christmas elf girl sends greetings in the form of stars

Arte & cultura,Arte finlandese,Pittura

Ruska: Finnish foliage seen through the eyes of 8 Finnish artists

22 ottobre 2025 doubleg Lascia un commento

In Finland, there’s a special word to describe the magic of autumn: Ruska, a natural spectacle that is experienced as a true tradition in Northern Europe.
Ruska is considered the Nordic equivalent of Japanese hanami, a moment of celebration of nature to be seized when it is present for only a brief moment.
The northern region of Lapland is the starting point of Ruska, with its landscape of taiga and forest-covered hills, before continuing south.
The protagonists of Ruska are warm colors like red, orange, and yellow, but brown and the colors of the leaves aren’t the only wonders the forests offer: mushrooms and berries, such as blueberries and cranberries, are treasures that grow during this period.
For Finns, Ruska is more than just foliage, and “Ruskaretki” is a typical excursion beloved by many Finns and tourists, a collective ritual consisting of hikes in national parks, days spent in mökki (the wooden cabins by the lake), and mushroom and berry picking thanks to jokamiehenoikeus (the right of every man).
Ruska is a precious time of contemplation and recharging, marking the end of summer and preparing for the long Nordic winter.
I’ve been to Lapland many times during the Ruska season and have been fascinated not only by the gorgeously colored leaves on the trees but also, above all, by the veritable autumnal sea that accompanies you as you walk across the incredible shades of leaves.
Thinking about Ruska, I had the idea to ask eight incredibly talented Finnish artists to show us Ruska through their eyes, and I must say, the result of this experiment is truly astonishing, as you’ll see.
In the article, along with a brief introduction to the artist, you’ll find two paintings: the first is her Ruska and the second is one of her favorites, or the presentation of an upcoming solo exhibition.
I invite you to visit their social media pages and websites to better understand their talent.
To Minna Pärttö, Ella Petman, Satu Kekäläinen, Mari Knuttila, Taru Rouhiainen, MaJ Sjö, Martina Uthardt, and Liisa Viima, I extend my heartfelt thanks for making my idea of presenting Finnish Ruska in a slightly different way possible.

Minna Pärttö – Furu, 2021,81x100cm, acrylic on canvas

Ella Petman - Ruska, 54x65 cm, acrylics on canvas

Ella Petman – Ruska, 54×65 cm, acrylics on canvas

Satu Kekäläinen- Kupliva syksy, Bubbling autumn

Mari Knuttila – Autumn Glow (Syyshehku) – diameter 40 cm

Taru Rouhiainen -Violet, 2022, mixed medium on linen 33x41cm

Maj Sjö - Magic Happens , Acrylic on canvas, 2025 , 50x50 cm

Maj Sjö – Magic Happens , Acrylic on canvas, 2025 , 50×50 cm

Martina Uthardt – Midsummer in Sapmi, 100 x 81 cm – sold

Liisa Viima – Lighthouse, 55 x 46 x 2 cm. Oil on canvas

Minna Pärttö and the art of discovering emotions between past and present

Minna lives in Inkeroinen, southern Finland, and began painting regularly in 2019.
Since then, she has participated in exhibitions both in her home country and abroad.
Painting has become Minna’s natural way of expressing herself, because sometimes it’s not easy to put into words what you feel inside, and for her, art has become a preferred channel for expressing those emotions that are difficult to put into words.
You can find more information about Minna on her social media pages, Instagram and Facebook.
For Ruska, she presents: Furu, 2021, 81x100cm, acrylic on canvas.
As a second painting, she presents: I Can Still See You, 81x100cm, acrylic on canvas.
Both paintings are available for purchase on her social media pages.

Minna Pärttö – Furu, 2021,81x100cm, acrylic on canvas

Minna Pärttö – I Can Still see You, 81x100cm, acrylic on canvas

Ella Petman after a long journey she found her paradise

Ella Petman, born in Jyväskylä, central Finland, where she has lived most of her life, except for the period when she moved to Tampere while studying to join the police.
Since May 2023, Ella has begun to devote herself entirely to painting and has begun producing her works, which are mostly semi-abstract, leaving the observer complete freedom to interpret the painting according to their own vision.
You can find more information about Ella on her Instagram page and website
For Ruska, she presents: Ruska, 54×65 cm, acrylics on canvas,
As a second painting, she presents: Fulfilled with love, 70x90x3 cm, acrylics on canvas
Both paintings are available for purchase on her social media pages.

Ella Petman – Ruska, 54×65 cm, acrylics on canvas

Ella Petman –

Satu Kekäläinen a fairy tale born from ice

Satu Kekäläinen, she was born in Helsinki, but after living in various places across Finland, she currently lives in Lieto.
Ice is a sort of common thread that has accompanied Satu throughout her life, but artistically it all began in 2015 when, needing to find strength and breathe fresh air, she immersed herself in the nature of nearby Lake Littoistenjärvi, and since it was winter, she began photographing with her camera the figures she saw in the lake ice.
You can see her works on her Instagram and Facebook pages and website
For Ruska, she presents: Bubbling autumn
As a second photos, she presents: Autumn look
In January 2026 she will partecipate in an exhibition at the Mökkigalleria (cottage gallery) in Kaarina
Both photos are available for purchase on her social media pages.

Satu Kekäläinen- Kupliva syksy, Bubbling autumn

Satu Kekäläinen-Syksyn ilme, Autumn look

Mari Knuuttila when painting becomes poetry

Mari Knuuttila born in Lapua, a town located in Southern Ostrobothnia and where she currently lives and creates her works in her studio.
Mari has been painting for about seven years, although her main profession is that of Chief Inspector at the State Administrative Agency, a role that requires strict compliance with laws and regulations.
Through painting, Mari has found a way to give free rein to her visual art, free from rules or pre-established patterns.
You can find more information about Mari on her Instagram and Facebook pages and website
For Ruska, she presents: Autumn Glow (Syyshehku) – diameter 40 cm
As a second painting, she presents: Golden Trace – 80×100 cm
Both paintings are available for purchase on her social media pages.

Mari Knuttila – Autumn Glow (Syyshehku) – diameter 40 cm

Mari Knuttila - Golden Trace – 80x100 cm

Mari Knuttila – Golden Trace – 80×100 cm

Taru Rouhiainen when art transforms into joy of living

Taru Rouhiainen born in Hyvinkää but currently lives in Vantaa.
Taru’s is one of those stories that shows us how not only painting, but art in general, can be the best medicine for overcoming difficult times.
In 2020, after the crisis, Taru found herself needing something that would allow her not only to stay busy but also to process and express her feelings.And so, making a life-changing choice, she enrolled in a painting course and fell in love with art!
Before discovering painting, she had always appreciated colors and, above all, their effect on our emotions, bringing joy into our homes.
You can find more information about Taru on her Instagram and Facebook pages and website
For Ruska, she presents: Violet, 2022, mixed medium on linen 33x41cm
As a second painting, she presents: Red, 2025, mixed medium on linen 33x40cm
Both paintings are available for purchase on her social media pages.

Taru Rouhiainen -Violet, 2022, mixed medium on linen 33x41cm

Taru Rouhiainen – Red, 2025, mixed medium on linen 33x40cm

MAJ SJÖ from Finland comes with a breeze of positivity

Maj SJÖ, born in Helsinki, where she has a studio space in Kaapelitehdas, Finland’s largest cultural centre, but currently lives in Espoo where she also creates in her home studio.
When I first saw MaJ’s works, I immediately understood how she managed to capture and convey in her art all those small and large miracles that life can give us day after day.
Her collection of works on the Archipelago and in general on everything that is sea or water (after all, her surname SJÖ in Swedish means lake/sea) can convey incredible emotions and for those like me who have experienced the magic that Hanko can convey, looking at her paintings that portray her means reliving moments of indescribable joy and serenity.
You can find more information about Maj on her Instagram and Facebook pages and website
For Ruska, she presents: Magic Happens , Acrylic on canvas, 2025 , 50×50 cm
As a second chanche, she presents: the poster of her next solo exhibition which opens on November 1st in Helsinki
Painting is available for purchase on her social media pages.

Maj Sjö – Magic Happens , Acrylic on canvas, 2025 , 50×50 cm

Maj Sjö – HOUSE OF ALCHEMY – personal exhibition Take Me Home Galleria, Helsinki

Martina Uthardt from Finland send a hymn to the joy of living

Martina Uthardt, born in Malax, where she currently lives in this big village and welcoming of about 5000 inhabitants in Southern Ostrobothnia, where Swedish is spoken rather than Finnish (about 6% of Finns speak Swedish)
After a 10-year stint running a photography agency specializing in portraits, Martina has dedicated herself fully to painting professionally since 2021.
She has experimented with various techniques but currently prefers acrylic painting with its possibilities for layering and variations that make each painting alive and unique in different lights.
When I first saw Martina’s paintings, I was struck by how this artist was able to perfectly represent the Finland I love so much.
You can find more information about Martina on her Instagram and Facebook pages and website
For Ruska, she presents: Midsummer in Sapmi, 100 x 81 cm
As a second painting, she presents: Blue Dreams, 100 x 81 cm
Sapmi it’s the real name for Lapland
The second painting is available for purchase on her website

Martina Uthardt – Midsummer in Sapmi, 100 x 81 cm – sold

Martina Uthardt – Blue Dreams, 100 x 81 cm

Liisa Viima – It’s never too late to bring joy and beauty into the world

Liisa Viima, born in Oulu and currently based in Espoo.
Although she began painting as a teenager and dreamed of becoming a professional artist, she chose a more conventional path, earning a master’s degree in economics and dedicating herself to her family, including raising two daughters and caring for horse – her lifelong passion.
After facing significant life challenges, Liisa experienced a personal transformation that led her back to her original calling: painting.
Her mission became clear – to bring joy and beauty into the world through her art.
Liisa’s style is contemporary and abstract, often infused with elements of realism, surrealism, and even whimsy.
Recurring themes in her work include humanity, love, and forgiveness, expressed through symbolic imagery such as faces, hearts, stars, hands, the moon, pigeons and also horses.
For Liisa, horses represent courage and nobility values that have guided her life and artistic journey.
You can find more information about Liisa on her Instagram and Facebook pages and website
For Ruska, she presents: Lighthouse, 55 x 46 x 2 cm, Oil on canvas
As a second painting, she presents: Soul, 60 x 40 cm, mixed media on paper
Both paintings are available for purchase on her social media pages.

Liisa Viima – Lighthouse, 55 x 46 x 2 cm. Oil on canvas

Liisa Viima – Soul,60 x 40 cm. Mixed media on paper

Arte & cultura,Arte finlandese

MaJ SJÖ dalla Finlandia porta con sé una ventata di positività

22 luglio 2025 doubleg Lascia un commento

Con grande piacere vi presento l’artista finlandese Maj SJÖ nata a Helsinki, dove ha uno space studio a Kaapelitehdas, il più grande centro culturale della Finlandia, ma attualmente vive a Espoo dove crea anche nel suo home studio.
MaJ ha ereditato la sua creatività e passione per il disegno dall’ambiente domestico, avendo la fortuna di trascorrere l’infanzia e di ricevere una educazione strettamente legate allo studio di architettura e design d’interni di suo padre, venendo così introdotta al mondo dell’interior design, dell’architettura e della creatività fin da piccola.
Nonostante ciò, gli studi e la sua carriera l’hanno portata inizialmente in altre direzioni fino a quando nel 2021 ha realizzato un sogno a lungo coltivato: provare la pittura a olio, che all’epoca per lei era nuova e sconosciuta e diventare quindi un’artista visiva.
Le sue opere hanno ricevuto non solo lusinghieri consensi ma anche notevoli richieste e così la sua carriera di artista è decollata, entrando in un mondo completamente nuovo.
Ho sempre sostenuto che per vivere una vita soddisfacente e appagante la differenza è sempre data dalla capacità di gioire delle piccole cose, quelle che veramente sono capaci di regalarci intensi momenti di gioia.
Quando ho visto per la prima volta le opere di MaJ ho capito subito come lei sia riuscita a cogliere e trasmettere nella sua arte tutti quei piccoli e grandi miracoli che la vita sa regalarci giorno dopo giorno.
La sua raccolta di opere sull’Archipelago e in generale su tutto ciò che è mare o acqua (del resto il suo cognome SJÖ in svedese significa lago/mare) sa trasmettere emozioni incredibili e per chi come me ha vissuto la magia che sa trasmettere Hanko guardare i suoi dipinti che la ritraggono vuol dire rivivere momenti di gioia e serenità indescrivibili.
La Finlandia è stata riconosciuta per l’ottavo anno consecutivo come il paese più felice del mondo nel World Happiness Report 2025 e guardando i dipinti di MaJ non è difficile capire che la felicità abita proprio lì.
MaJ è un’artista poliedrica che sa trarre ispirazione dalle cose belle che la circondano: paesaggi, edifici, colori, luce e diverse emozioni positive; la pittura per lei è il suo modo di creare un’atmosfera in uno spazio, un elemento che attira lo sguardo e capace di donare all’osservatore energia positiva e un senso di benessere.
Dipinge principalmente con colori a olio e acrilici, ma usa anche acquerelli e inchiostro, tra le altre tecniche e non la si può etichettare in uno stile piuttosto che in un altro, la sua arte è varia e capace di esplorare sempre nuove tecniche e la sua filosofia di vita la porta a trasformare un cambiamento di tecnica o stile in una meravigliosa vacanza
Quello però che è sempre presente in ogni suo stile è la positività che MaJ cerca di trasmettere attraverso la sua Arte.
Accanto alla sua versatilità nella tecnica e nell’uso del colore lo stile delle sue opere si basa principalmente sull’intuizione del momento.
Negli ultimi quattro anni ha partecipato a numerose mostre e ha saputo costruire e gestire una rete di contatti sui social media.
Le sue opere hanno trovato posto in molte case private, sia attraverso mostre che tramite commissioni ricevute sui social media, per cui volendo è possibile richiederle dei lavori su commissione a distanza contattandola tramite le sue pagine social o suo sito web

MAJ SJÖ website
Instagram
Facebook

MAJ SJÖ from Finland comes with a breeze of positivity

It is with great pleasure that I introduce you to Finnish artist Maj SJÖ, born in Helsinki, where she has a studio space in Kaapelitehdas, Finland’s largest cultural centre, but currently lives in Espoo where she also creates in her home studio.
MaJ inherited her creativity and passion for drawing from her home environment, having been fortunate enough to spend her childhood and receive an education closely linked to her father’s architecture and interior design studio, thus being introduced to the world of interior design, architecture, and creativity from an early age.
Despite this, her studies and career initially took her in other directions until in 2021 she realized a long-held dream: trying oil painting, which was new and unknown to her at the time, and thus becoming a visual artist.
Her works received not only glowing acclaim but also considerable requests, and her career as an artist took off, entering a whole new world.
I’ve always maintained that living a satisfying life is all about enjoying the little things, the things that truly bring us intense moments of joy.
When I first saw MaJ’s works, I immediately understood how she managed to capture and convey in her art all those small and large miracles that life can give us day after day.
Her collection of works on the Archipelago and in general on everything that is sea or water (after all, her surname SJÖ in Swedish means lake/sea) can convey incredible emotions and for those like me who have experienced the magic that Hanko can convey, looking at her paintings that portray her means reliving moments of indescribable joy and serenity.
Finland has been recognized as the happiest country in the world for the eighth consecutive year in the World Happiness Report 2025, and looking at MaJ’s paintings, it’s not hard to see that happiness lives right there.
MaJ is a multifaceted artist who draws inspiration from the beautiful things around her: landscapes, buildings, colors, light, and various positive emotions. For her, painting is her way of creating atmosphere in a space, an element that attracts the eye and can give the viewer positive energy and a sense of well-being.
She paints mainly with oil and acrylic colors, but also uses watercolors and ink, among other techniques, and cannot be labeled in one style rather than another.
Her art is varied and capable of always exploring new techniques, and her philosophy of life leads her to transform a change of technique or style into a wonderful holiday.
What is always present in all of her styles, however, is the positivity that MaJ tries to convey through her art.
Alongside her versatility in technique and use of colour, the style of her works is mainly based on the intuition of the moment.
Over the past four years, she has participated in numerous exhibitions and has successfully built and managed a network of contacts on social media.
Her works have found a place in many private homes, both through exhibitions and through commissions received on social media, so if you wish you can request commissioned works from her remotely by contacting her through her social pages or her website.