Refreshing Waters – Poetry and Photographs by Päivi Konttinen

VILVOITTAVAT VEDET - REFRESHING WATERS
Poems and photographs 
by Päivi Konttinen 

"Water is my favorite element and it is often present in my photos as well. 
Water calms and relaxes both body and mind. All the photos in the exhibition were taken from nearby waters, mostly from our own pier in Könönpelto Varkaus . 
I photograph when something exceptionally beautiful or special appears in front of my eyes, this often happens during swimming trips in the early mornings or late evenings, all year round. Through the lens of the camera, it is easy to narrow down the best parts of the vast landscape.  This way of working has taught me to see beauty and goodness in life in general, to narrow it down into important frames and memories. Filming has also taught me to stop at moments, especially the best and most beautiful ones.

Writing is a way for me to clarify my thoughts and condense my thoughts into a few words. When I write, I increase my understanding of life and coping with adversity, but also trust and joy. I have gotten ideas for poems from, among other things, my photographs, i.e. nature. In addition to nature, other people are also present. Those who carry you through the hardest times or are otherwise close. I hope that in my poems the private becomes general and the local universal. I also hope that visitors to the exhibition will be able to find comfort, joy and beauty in my texts and pictures."

Päivi Konttinen is a mother, fostermother, rural entrepreneur and journalist from Varkaus. 
She has been interested in writing and photography since she was a teenager, and she has been doing both for living more than 20 years as journalist.

Päivi Konttinen tel. +358 41 3195654  email: konttinen.paivih@gmail.com