About Us
Born in 1983 amidst the windswept landscapes of Hiiumaa, Estonia, my path as a fine artist has unfolded as a quiet evolution of observation, introspection, and emotional inquiry. For me, realism is not merely a means of representation; it is a language through which I explore the invisible—inner tension, psychological resilience, and the subtle weight of contemporary existence.
My work often inhabits the fragile spaces between trauma and belonging, vulnerability and the stubborn persistence required to endure. Rather than direct narrative, I use symbolic imagery. Still lifes, animals, and familiar objects become vessels for emotional memory. A silent animal is rarely just a creature; it becomes a metaphor for dependence, exposure, and the quiet longing carried from childhood into adulthood.
Color functions as a conceptual framework within my artistic identity rather than a literal palette. Black and red form the visual language of my brand, echoing the psychological themes that run through my work. Black evokes the night—those silent, disorienting moments in which identity dissolves and reforms. Red stands as a counterforce: an inner flame, a symbol of endurance and the will to persist. Between these poles, my subjects exist in a suspended emotional state, inviting the viewer into a contemplative dialogue beyond the visible surface.
Alongside my studio practice and formal studies in Kuressaare and Tartu, I find deep meaning in guiding younger generations. For several years, I have led children’s art classes in the Kõrgessaare region. Their unfiltered creativity serves as a daily reminder that art is not merely aesthetic production, but a way of understanding the larger composition of life itself.
Today, my practice continues to evolve at the intersection of classical tradition and contemporary psychological inquiry, seeking to reveal what lies beneath the visible surface—and to give form to the silent narratives we carry within.
Beyond the studio, my work is grounded in a life that is deeply connected to land, animals, and responsibility. The legal entity behind my artistic practice carries an unusual name: Musta Mära Tall OÜ—a name rooted in a personal history that continues to shape both my life and my art.
Founded in 2017 on the island of Hiiumaa, the company emerged at a time when necessity demanded resilience. With few farriers available locally, I began caring for my own horses’ hooves—a practical skill that gradually grew into a small, dedicated service for the surrounding community. Yet the heart of the name lies not in profession, but in devotion.
The “Black Mare” refers to Vau, a long-awaited black estonian sport horse mare. Her birth felt like the fulfillment of a quiet dream, but it soon became clear that she faced significant health challenges. At a moment when I considered stepping away from horse breeding altogether, she became the reason I stayed. Passing on a horse with special needs was never an option; her home was with me.
Today, she stands as the quiet center of a stable of fourteen horses and as a living reminder of endurance, care, and the responsibility we carry toward those who depend on us. These same themes echo throughout my paintings—vulnerability, persistence, and the silent bonds between beings.
Whether the company name will one day change remains an open question. For now, it represents the place where my two worlds meet: the grounded, physical reality of daily care and the introspective, timeless realm of art. If you encounter the name “Musta Mära Tall” on an invoice or during checkout, it simply marks the foundation that allows my stories to be painted, preserved, and shared.