Arja Välimäki

My work is inspired by my love of nature and the feelings evoked when I am in natural environments, from the ocean to forests, bushland and mountains.
I try to maintain a daily connection with my natural environment, and start my day walking my dog near the ocean.
For some time now, I have been painting the underwater world. My early significant connection with the ocean began with an unfortunate encounter with a stingray. This experience became a focus in my artwork, and over time evolved from a fear of the ocean into an appreciation of its beauty.
There is a beauty when painting from an experience, memory and feeling. My hope is that my work touches the senses and imaginations of the viewer and transforms the view to a calm and peaceful state of mind.
Recently I have also started to paint my underwater scenes with pink to bring another element and diversity to my work.

Masters of Fine Arts, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
Bachelor of Fine Arts, UNSW, Sydney, Australia

Selected Solo Exhibitions

2024 Ocean Odyssey, Precinct Galleries, Berry, Australia
2023 Comforted by Nature, Clifton School of the Arts, Clifton
2022 Tropical Ocean, Art2Muse Gallery, Sydney
2021 Sea Tulip, Art2Muse Gallery, Sydney
2021 Ocean View, Audrey Fine Arts, Sydney
2020 Woven Ocean, Art2Muse Gallery, Sydney
2019 Ocean Vista, Art2Muse Gallery, Sydney
2018 Ocean Forest, Art2Muse Gallery, Sydney
2018 Majestic Ocean, The Art Bar, Kiama
2017 Nordic Taiga, Art2Muse Gallery, Sydney
2016 Asia Contemporary Art Show, Hong Kong
2015 Natural Vibrations, Embassy of Finland, Canberra
2014 Natural Rhythms, Wollongong Regional Art Gallery