Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lucy Sinkkonen. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Lucy, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I am a proud self-taught artist! I learned by doing—starting with childhood sketches, painting heartfelt gifts for friends, and eventually taking on commissions in high school and college. Each project became a learning opportunity, and through trial and error, I slowly developed my voice. My Finnish background, rooted in craftsmanship and the tradition of creating with care and intention, has always been a quiet, guiding influence in my work.

If I could go back, I would have taken more formal art and ceramics classes in high school. At the time, I was deeply involved in sports and other activities, which didn’t leave much room for structured creative learning. Looking back, I now understand how valuable early training could have been—not just for building technical skills, but for exploring different materials and finding my path sooner.

Today, I am intentionally seeking new ways to expand my practice, including ceramics. Working with clay has helped me strengthen my hand-eye coordination and engage a more tactile, spatial form of thinking—one that differs from traditional 2D art. I find this especially relevant now that I’m using modeling paste to create textured, three-dimensional surfaces on canvas. The physicality of the work feels like sculpting; the painting becomes a living surface that reacts to its environment.

My experience working in an architecture studio significantly influences how I approach light and space in my artwork. I became fascinated by lighting design—how shadows move across surfaces throughout the day, and how spatial awareness transforms the experience of an object. This curiosity drove experimentation within my artwork: the raised texture on my canvases creates organic shadows that evolve with the light. Each piece is designed to shift and breathe depending on where and how it’s placed. Just as architecture interacts with its site, my work invites its environment to become part of the narrative.

One of the greatest obstacles I’ve faced has been internal—perfectionism, self-criticism, and a tendency to care too much about how others perceive my work. While this mindset sometimes helped when completing commissions, it also meant I undervalued my time and labor. In hindsight, I was often making less than minimum wage for highly detailed, time-intensive pieces. After much reflection, I’ve come to understand the true value of my work. The countless hours I’ve spent experimenting, building skills, and honing my voice have weight. I now know what I deserve—not just in compensation, but in creative respect.

The essential skills on this journey have been adaptability, patience, and the willingness to keep learning through doing. I have learned to trust my instincts, the quiet moments, and the materials at hand. Some of my most meaningful work has come from stillness, solitude, and stepping away. Taking time in nature and staying involved in my community has helped me stay grounded, inspired, and connected to something larger than myself.

Lucy, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Lucy Sinkkonen. Born in Duluth, Minnesota, I am a self-taught artist based in St. Paul, where I study design. My creative journey has been shaped by both exploration and hands-on making. As a child, traveling throughout South America, Canada, and Europe gave me a broad, intuitive sense of how spaces and cultures shape our experiences. These early adventures ignited my passion to create environments through art and design that feel alive, meaningful, and deeply connected to place.

Rooted in my Finnish heritage and a family tradition of craftsmanship, my work reflects a respect for making things by hand with care and integrity. My family includes skilled builders—my dad and uncles—and my mummu (grandma), who has profoundly influenced my understanding of space. Her home is a quiet tribute to Finland’s natural beauty, featuring birch artwork, soft moon murals, vintage Marimekko textiles, and gleaming Finnish crystal. Her ability to craft atmosphere through thoughtful detail, memory, and material has shaped how I approach interiors, light, and art.

I began painting early on as a way to connect with others and with myself. What started as heartfelt gifts for friends eventually grew into a small commission practice through high school and college. Through self-directed experimentation, I gradually found my artistic voice. Over time, I began to explore texture more deeply, using modeling paste to sculpt forms onto canvas. These dimensional pieces interact with light and cast evolving shadows throughout the day alluding to aliveness and dynamism. Natural movements—like birds in flight or water rippling on a lake—also inspire how I place raised textures on the surface.

My background includes valuable experience interning at PKA Architecture, where I gained insight into design processes, client collaboration, and the role of light and materiality in creating spaces. This experience reinforced my appreciation for how thoughtful design shapes not only structures but also the experience of emotions and atmosphere within a space.

My experience in design and lighting has been integral to my artistic evolution. I consider the canvas and the surrounding environment—the way natural light shifts, how textures catch shadows, and how art influences ambiance. A pivotal moment in my journey was interning with Cheryl Fosdick, whose personal vision and creative legacy have significantly shaped Duluth and its community through spirit and site-specific projects. Learning from her broadened my understanding of how purposeful design—whether artistic or spatial—can tell stories and create lasting impact.

I am also inspired by designer David Salmela. His use of natural materials and minimalist, poetic design resonates deeply with my love for Nordic simplicity and nature-inspired work. His approach reminds me to create with honesty, restraint, and intention.

Today, I create original fine art and accept commissions. Through blending painting and sculpture to explore form, emotion, and natural rhythms. I’m especially drawn to the interplay of texture, light, and shadow—elements that breathe life into each piece, inviting quiet reflection and movement. I aim to carry a protruded voice of dimension, where texture and form extend beyond the surface to invite an experience. My work is designed to be truly felt, engaging both the eyes and the senses through its layered presence.

Being self-taught has presented challenges—perfectionism, self-doubt, and undervaluing my time—but it has also taught me to trust my process and the years of growth and dedication behind my work. I’ve come to recognize my perspective, shaped by heritage, place, and hands-on experience, is not only authentic but irreplaceable.

I believe everyone has the potential to be an artist, and I’m passionate about encouraging others to discover their creative voice. I’m actively involved in the vibrant Minneapolis Artist Guild community, supporting local artists and fostering connections. Whether you’re here to purchase a piece, commission a custom work, or simply follow my journey, I hope my art inspires you to slow down, engage your senses, and find something meaningful, whether in the artwork itself, the space it occupies, or within your own experience.

How did you build your audience on social media?

My social media following grew organically, starting with friends who began following my work and sharing it within their circles. From there, I connected with local galleries, which helped introduce my art to a broader community. Eventually, this led me to become involved with the Minneapolis Artist Guild, where I’ve been able to deepen my connections and engage with fellow artists and art lovers.

I share glimpses of my life, my artwork, and the stories behind my commission pieces on social media. I also love highlighting collaborations and offering insights into local events, creating a space where my followers can connect not just with my art, but with the journey and community around it.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding part of being an artist is witnessing the way people respond to my creations, especially the quiet, intuitive, sometimes even spiritual reactions it evokes. My biophilic, nature-inspired pieces are created to bring peace, upliftment, and a sense of presence to the spaces they inhabit. There’s something deeply fulfilling about offering that to others. I also feel grateful to be able to share my voice—my way of seeing the world—through honest, heartfelt work that reflects both my inner life and my connection to the natural world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lucysinkkonen.myshopify.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucysinkkonenart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100074333479700
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-sinkkonen-9b9083226/

Image Credits

Ashley Moyna Schwickert