Ulla Thynell

In the heart of Helsinki, Finland, resides Ulla Thynell, an independent artist and designer whose work is as enchanting as the Nordic landscapes that inspire her. With a career spanning eight years in professional illustration, Thynell has carved out a niche for herself in the realm of dream-like illustrations, where fairytales, fantasy, and nature intertwine in a mesmerizing dance of colors and forms.

Thynell's artistic journey began in the quiet corners of Finland, where the whispering pines and the ancient forests have always been her muses. Her work is a testament to the power of nature, capturing the essence of old-growth forests and translating it into a visual language that speaks to the soul. Each illustration is a portal to a world where the ordinary meets the extraordinary, where the mundane is transformed into the magical.

Her techniques are as diverse as her inspirations. Thynell's toolbox includes watercolors, inks, pens, and colored pencils, a testament to her versatility as an artist. She effortlessly blends traditional methods with digital wizardry, creating pieces that are both timeless and contemporary. Her process is a harmonious blend of the old and the new, where each stroke of the brush or click of the mouse is a step into a fantastical realm.

When asked about her creative process, Thynell speaks of an organic and intuitive approach, one that allows her to immerse herself in the act of creation, forgetting the world around her. It is in these moments of deep concentration that her art comes to life, a reflection of her dreams, memories, fears, and hopes. Her work is a subliminal dialogue with her inner self, a conversation that unfolds on the canvas in the form of enchanting visuals.

Thynell's advice to fellow artists resonates with the wisdom she has gathered over the years: "Follow and trust your own intuition." It is a mantra that guides her through the creative process and her career. She emphasizes the importance of listening to that innermost gut feeling, of being stubborn and doing things her own way. In a world where comparisons and external pressures can cloud one's vision, Thynell's philosophy is a beacon of authenticity and creativity.

Thynell's art is not just a collection of illustrations; it is a journey into the heart of nature and the human spirit. Her work serves as a reminder that the most profound inspirations often lie in the quiet corners of our world, waiting to be discovered and transformed into art that transcends the boundaries of reality. As we turn the pages of her art books and gaze upon her illustrated products, we are reminded that every line and color is a story, a piece of Ulla Thynell's heart, offered to the world with the simplicity and grandeur of the forests she so dearly loves.