I am an artist in need of additional support from Kuopio. I work regularly from my home in Kuopio and graduated as a visual artisan in 2012.
Since 2018, I have taken part in annual group exhibitions and/or organized solo art exhibitions. I also maintain a personal website where I present and sell my paintings. I photograph my artworks and manage the website myself.
My most recent exhibition works have focused on animals from imaginary and fairytale worlds. I strive to make my paintings as lifelike as possible.
Currently, I work from home. There is no dedicated art studio activity for artists in need of additional support in Kuopio. From 2012 to 2014, I took part in the Taidemyrsky art studio program run by the Vaalijala municipal corporation. In 2015, the City of Kuopio continued to organize the activity.
Riikka Vänttinen
These days, I mainly paint animals, such as horses and other domestic animals. I’ve been drawing and painting horses since I was 11 years old.
Painting is what I enjoy the most. I currently work with watercolours (I had to stop using oil paints back in 2012 due to a sensitivity to solvents). I also create works using ink marker pens and sometimes air-drying clay. In addition, I’ve made several hobbyhorses by hand—one even features alpaca wool knit.
I love animals, especially horses, and also my dog and cat.
Animals are a way of life and a source of inspiration for me. My most recent exhibition was based on the animals of Kuopio Zoo, and at the moment I’m working on pieces inspired by the animals of Korkeasaari Zoo. I also find inspiration in other artists—their lives, thoughts, and works. For example, I’ve been influenced by Martta Wendelin, Rudolf Koivu, Leonardo da Vinci, and Juho Rissanen, whose life stories and philosophies I’ve explored.
Art allows me to be myself, to be creative, and to work at my own pace. Making art is a way of life for me—it supports my well-being. I make art for everyone who enjoys it; I haven’t defined a specific audience. My goal has been to hold one solo exhibition per year.
Animal-themed works attract a lot of interest, especially from children, who have given me lovely feedback. At its best, when everything comes together, my works convey a sense of authenticity through movement, the eyes, and facial expressions.
Artworks
CV
visual artisan
b. 1980
Presentation
I live in Kuopio and work five days a week.
Contact: riikka.vanttinen@riikanateljee.com
My own webpages: www.riikanateljee.com
Education
Vocational Qualification in Visual Expression, Artisan in Visual Arts, Bovallius Vocational Institute, 2012
Summer painting courses (one week) with Helena Arffman, 2010 and 2011
Oil painting group, Kuopio Adult Education Centre, 2003–2010
Watercolour painting group, Kuopio Adult Education Centre, 2012–2013
Basic Studies in Behavioural Science Education (14 ECTS), Animal Training Centre, 2009
Vocational Qualification in Rural Entrepreneurship, Kouvola Region Vocational College, 2003
Vocational Qualification in Agriculture, Northern Savonia Vocational Institute Peltosalmi, 2000
Comprehensive School Certificate, Portaanpää Christian Folk High School, 1998
Solo Exhibitions
Domestic Animals of the Fairytale Forest, Kuopio Zoo, May 20 – Aug 11, 2023
Horses of the Fairytale World, Neulamäki Local Library, Kuopio, Mar 7 – Apr 13, 2022
Horses of the Fairytale World, Neulamäki Local Library, Kuopio, Oct 4 – Nov 4, 2021
Fairytale World, Neulamäki Community House, Kuopio, Oct 2 – Dec 3, 2020
Fairytale Land, Minna Community House, Kuopio, Nov 4 – Nov 29, 2019
Group Exhibitions
Horses and Animals of the Fairytale Forest, Neulamäki Local Library, Kuopio, Oct 3 – Oct 27, 2022
Fairytale Forest, Linnan Gallery, Pieksämäki, Jun 3 – Aug 29, 2019
Nature-themed Exhibition, Library Café, Nov 1 – 30, 2018
Arttiimi Art Association Thematic Exhibition “Square”, Kuopio City Library, 2018
Arttiimi Summer Exhibition, Kuopio City Library, 2017
Arttiimi Thematic Exhibition “The Magic of Water”, Kuopio City Library, 2017
Arttiimi Thematic Exhibition “Pets”, Kuopio City Library, Sept 26 – Oct 8, 2016
Arttiimi Summer Exhibition, Kuopio City Library, Jul 11 – Jul 22, 2016
Arttiimi Thematic Exhibition, 2015
Arttiimi Summer Exhibition, 2015
Arttiimi Thematic Exhibition, 2014
Arttiimi Summer Exhibition, 2014
Mukara Mukara – International Art Bazaar for Children and Youth, Kuopio Art Museum, Oct 10, 2013 – Feb 15, 2014
Arttiimi Thematic Exhibition “The Power of Colours”, Kuopio City Library, Oct 1 – 12, 2013
Arttiimi Summer Exhibition, Snellman School, Kuopio, Jul 8 – Aug 3, 2013
Artisan in Visual Arts Exhibition, Bovallius Vocational Institute, City Hall of Pieksämäki, Apr 16 – May 11, 2012
Kuopio Adult Education Centre Spring Exhibitions, 2005–2010, 2013
Memberships
Arttiimi Visual Arts Association, Kuopio
Kettuki Association
Finnish Animal Protection / Savonia Animal Protection
Grants
2019 Framing support for the exhibition Horses and Animals of the Fairytale Forest from Tukilinja Foundation