Interview with Minna Lehväsläiho

This is realy very inspiring interview with the GALLERY AWARD 2025 winner. Let it bring you as much joy as it does us.

• What was your path to art?

I come from a family of scientists, but I grew up surrounded by art. To me, science and art are a beautiful combination. My father is a cancer doctor who collects art and writes books about artists and illustrators. When I grew up, we spent our weekends visiting art galleries and exhibitions. Many of my parents' friends are visual artists, and I was fascinated by watching them create.

I have always made art. When I moved to the United States at the age of ten, I didn't yet speak English. Drawing became my way of expressing myself and connecting with others.

At university, I studied science and literature, not art. As a scientist, I have, for example, worked on finding alternatives to antibiotics. However, I believe art is at least as important to humankind as science. I now work as a scientist, am a professional artist and illustrator, and teach art at Finland's oldest children's art school.

• How do you perceive naive art? What makes it unique for you?

I see naive art as a celebration of each person's unique way of seeing and representing the world. It is often deeply connected to an artist's individual voice — a voice shaped by a lifetime of experiences, memories, and imagination.

Just as each of us has a unique voice when we speak, we also have a unique voice when we create. With naive artists, that voice can remain especially natural and pure, not touched by academic teachings. I think it feels honest and direct.

• Do you have favourite themes and motifs that you return to in your work?

When I was very young, I learned that even though chickens have wings, they will never truly fly. I was devastated and felt a desperate need to help them. So I found a way: I drew a chicken who could fly. He soared high above the clouds and became the happiest chicken in the world.

A little later, I found a stuffed owl in my grandmother's attic. He looked terribly lonely, so I drew him some friends. That was when I understood something important — an artist can change the world.

To me, it is essential that my art uplifts the spirit and communicates warmth and safety. I still paint happy chickens and owls. There are already so many distressing things in the world; I do not want to add more sadness to it.

I love painting houses, children, animals, and trees. I paint houses that feel friendly and welcoming. I paint trees that offer colourful leaves, flowers, or fruit — trees that might even invite you to climb them.

• Where can we see more of your work — online or live?

You can find my work on Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/minnalehvaslaiho/

You might also encounter my art in your mailbox. I illustrate postcards and Christmas cards, including cards for UNICEF, and I design stamps for the Finnish postal service. I have also illustrated Santa Claus's official mail.

• Do you have any advice for someone who would like to try painting?

Paint for yourself — not to please or impress anyone else. Don't hesitate. Be curious. Be brave. And most importantly: allow yourself to fail.

Think of becoming an artist the way you would think of becoming a pianist. A pianist is meant to practise, to make mistakes, and to learn from them. You may perform beautifully in a concert, but you will never become an excellent pianist if you believe you are not allowed to make a mess while practising.

Do not be afraid to experiment with materials. I often hear students say they do not know the "rules" for using new materials. Instead of worrying about rules, be curious. Through testing and exploring, you will discover the best way to use them — your way.

When it comes to materials, I have two pieces of advice. First, use the highest quality materials you can afford. It is much easier and more enjoyable to paint with good materials. You do not need large quantities. You will be happier painting small paintings with good quality materials than large paintings with lower quality materials.

My second piece of advice may sound like the opposite: always carry a simple notebook with you and sketch as often as possible. You don't even need to have an idea in mind of what to draw, just draw. Choose a notebook with acid-free paper so your drawings will last, but do not choose a notebook that feels too precious. If it is too beautiful, you may hesitate to experiment freely in it.

Thank you for interview.

Photo: ART 40 & author