Elvi Pakkanen describes herself as a left-brained, right-brained artist. Having worked in the accounting and finance fields as a Chartered Professional Accountant, her thinking was logical, analytical and orderly; completely opposite to an artist, who is associated with creativity, intuition and spatial patterning.

This dichotomy of left-brain, right-brain thinking is evidenced in her artwork both in the types of material she uses and in its application. She is drawn to fluid art techniques, whether using watercolour, alcohol inks, acrylic ink, or acrylic paints. The unpredictability and spontaneity are fascinating and satisfies her right-brain.  Enhancing this artwork with traditional styles of orderly painting, graphics and linework, satisfies her left-brain.

She is inspired by the juxtaposition of the manmade work and nature. She has a BA (Honours) in rural and urban geography in which she studied the impact of man on the natural work. This fascination is found in her artwork, whether it’s a three-masted schooner in the raging sea, a small settler’s home alone in the night sky under the northern lights, or flowers restrained by a trellis or vase. Days were spent outside and as a child you knew it was time to go home when the street lights came on. Summers were at beaches, cottages or camps. This outdoor influence is found in her landscape paintings.

Elvi is treasurer of the Art Guild of Scarborough and secretary of the Beach Guild of Fine Art. She is involved in the plein air groups for both guilds.

Braving the Storm, 10 x 20