Raimo Kuparinen

I was born in Helsinki, Finland into a family tradition of master woodcarvers and artists. My art has been influenced by my father’s uncles’ and cousins’ love of design and functionality. I have always enjoyed working in various art mediums, from drawing at school, to trade school in cabinetmaking, to pastels and artistic photographic techniques.

At the age of 17, I moved to Perth, Western Australia with my brother and father. In 2005 I began painting with soft pastels in Fremantle and in 2006 helped found Artzplace, a group of artists in Cockburn, W.A.

In July 2014, my family and I moved to Dunedin. I am proud to be a member of the Otago Arts Society. I enjoy helping with exhibitions and am currently serving as a councillor.

As an artist, I enjoy experimenting to create different ways of looking at the world. I have found immense inspiration in the scenery of New Zealand and in our new home of Dunedin. Many of my works feature landscape scenes. Other favourite subjects involve exploration of architectural and natural forms.

My family tells me that I am a compulsive photographer. They may have a point. I am a member of the Dunedin Photographic Society and rarely go anywhere without my camera. My photos serve as inspiration for a variety of media and types of art. I am thankful that members of the Otago Arts Society and other arts groups generously share their experiences and provide support to one another.