Elyse' Jokinen
Elyse’ Jokinen is a visual artist working primarily in analog collage and photography. Her collage work has been collected in more than four countries and has been featured with Collé, PxP Contemporary, Contemporary Collage Magazine, and more. She is the founder and passionate facilitator of the online platform Wilder Collage. Elyse’ lives in northern Minnesota with her partner, two children, and sweet pup Finn.
Contact
elyse@wildercollage.com
www.elysejokinen.com | www.wildercollage.com | www.elysejokinen.substack.com
@elysejokinen
Interview
What inspires your art practice and keeps you motivated?
I just came to the realization the other day that the reason I keep coming back to my art day after day is to find the bits of beauty that I would otherwise take for granted in day-to-day life. There is magic all around us, and my art brings me back to it again and again.
How does your mission as an artist influence the work you create?
My mission as an artist is to stay committed to my craft and to showing up. So, to answer the question, it’s the entire reason my art exists. Showing up, seeing what comes up, and then visually expressing that—it’s the entire reason my art exists.
Can you share a key part of your creative process that helps you stay focused?
I make art every single day. I know that’s not how everyone works, but it’s what I need to do to keep going, to discover new things, and to push myself out of the box. Creating every day helps me stay on my toes with my eyes wide open.
What mindset tip do you rely on to overcome challenges in your art career?
Keep creating. It’s my mantra, it’s how I sign my emails, and it’s what I always come back to. I tend to overthink and over-prepare... just keep creating... everything works itself out.
How do you hope your art impacts the world or your community?
When someone views the work I create, I want them to see the beauty in the discarded. When someone crosses the path with Wilder Collage, I hope it inspires them to pick up some scissors and a glue stick.
