Lena Violetta Leitner
Suomenlinna memories
I arrive at night, the ice creaks and groans, and I marvel at the breaking ice. Frozen sea, a first for me. Again and again, the ferry ride between the mainland and the island enchants me.
During my daily walks, my eyelashes can turn into icicles. With red hands, and rosy cheeks, I am happy and inspired. Frozen sea, eternal winter. I am happy like a child about a little sunshine.
You can warm up in a sauna, a bar or in the kitchen during joint meals. The exchanges and care taken make this residency unique. Nothing must, but much can happen. And jumping into a hole framed by the frozen sea is refreshing.
The island becomes my theme. My body – an island on an island. I open the office of the PPS Suomenlinna – the Para/rt/sitic Protection Society – and invite Suomenlinna’s gardeners and the landscape curator, scientists and artists to discussions. I have seldom felt so well settled in – I am integrated into the community, get to know others quite easily and feel that I am exactly in the right place at the right time with my artistic focus (even though many ideas of working “outside” are almost impossible in winter).
I un/learn from the island and the climate: Do not force (anything). I adjust the rhythm, engaging myself, resting. This is possible as I do not have to bother about finances during these months.
What remains are my Suomenlinna memories of a wonderful community, talks, the hoots of the ferries in the fog (the vessel hovers ghostlike when seen from the window), the frozen sea.
I hope to return to continue to spin the treads started.
Many thanks to HIAP,
many thanks to the BMKOES!
| 1. | My stay in one word: |
| Winter wonderland | |
| 2. | Dos & don’ts in this place: |
| Dos: Walking across the islands with care, mindful of human and non-human inhabitants. Approaching the island through local customs – e.g. visits to the Linna Bar or sauna sessions. | |
| 3. | Things I miss since I am no longer there: |
| The frozen sea, the magical rocks, the island sauna and wonderful HIAP community. | |
| 4. | Where to shop great supplies: |
| Depends on what you work with – I would rather recommend that you take along as much as possible or buy material on the mainland (this may be somewhat complicated and expensive). However, HIAP provides a long list with tips. | |
| 5. | What you should definitely bring with you from home: |
| In Winter: Really good winter clothes and footwear are a must – “ice spikes” that you attach to your shoes are recommendable (also available locally). Technical equipment is available on site, but since some of is not state-of-the-art technology or only available in a small number, I recommend you to bring along equipment, if possible, or to get in touch with HIAP before your stay. | |
| 6. | Concerning art at this destination and where I visited the best exhibitions: |
| The HIAP team provides regular information on events and exhibitions – what surprised me were the opening hours of vernissages (5:00 pm 7:00 pm in most cases). I was able to visit most museums free of charge with my artist’s ID card. Moreover, there are days on which visits are free every month (easy to find on the websites).
I was able to see many exciting museums and galleries on the mainland so that I will only list a few examples: In particular, the Bioart Society was a valuable space for my work. Close to the Cable Factory, there is Lapinlahden Lähde with a beautiful park and many studios and exhibition rooms. With its uncountable studios and museums, the Cable Factory itself is thrilling place anyway. I found Mad House Helsinki great with regard to performances. There are also a few museums on Suomenlinna, but only some of them are open in winter. For my work, the island museum with a guided tour of the island was very interesting. Shortly before my departure, the toy museum – a small highlight for me – also opened again. It has a cozy café and tells a part of Finish history from the perspective of toys. |
|
| 7. | Around the studio – where I shop, drink my coffee and get the best lunch deal in walking distance: |
| There is only one supermarket on the island. If possible, I combine supermarket shopping with a trip to the mainland.
The toy museum has a charming café that unfortunately only opened again on the last but one weekend. What I liked best were the joint HIAP meals. By the way, you get an island discount in most bars and restaurants. |
|
| 8. | Where I like to spend the evening (dinner, drinks, best sound and networking opportunity): |
| Directly on Suomenlinna, there are not so many options in winter – however, Linna Bar quickly became my favorite bar (throughout Helsinki) The karaoke evenings are very recommendable – an absolute must in Finland.
The residency was an extremely nice community – you also have numerous opportunities to talk with the other artists. Joint dinners were especially lovely. A great insider tip is the island sauna – while you sweat together, you also chat – marvelous for getting to know other island people. An absolute highlight: the icy swim afterwards! |
|
| 9. | What would have been useful to know before coming here and starting my residency: |
| Everything is really very well organized. The HIAP team makes great efforts in advance of the residency – as well as during it and even afterwards. Hence, I had been informed about everything before the residency. |
Website resident: lenaviolettaleitner.com