NATURE IS A BALM FOR SOUL AND MIND

Estonian nature has always inspired, continues to inspire, and will undoubtedly keep inspiring artists, musicians, painters, and even stylists. Despite its small size, Estonia’s nature is uniquely diverse and largely untouched. Forests cover almost half of the country, consisting of both coniferous and mixed woodlands. Additionally, many species of wild animals have survived here to this day, including foxes, hares, brown bears, deer, and lynxes. Estonia is deeply committed to preserving its ecosystem and continually develops new projects aimed at maintaining environmental sustainability.

Estonian nature seems to naturally spark creativity and serves as an endless source of inspiration. It closely aligns with the Estonian mentality—reflecting calmness, melancholy, and a certain detachment from the surrounding world. Nature has a powerful impact on both the physical and mental well-being of individuals. It helps reduce stress, balances the nervous system, and fosters inner peace. Nature is like free medicine, available to everyone. At times, people seek solitude in nature to reflect on life’s deeper questions and the meaning of existence. The silence of nature is like music for the soul, nourishing it with ideas, faith, freedom, and offering a break from the hectic pace of urban life. Spending time alone in nature allows for deeper self-discovery and provides an opportunity to temporarily escape from daily pressures. This solitude can be compared to being on another planet—just you and the silence.

This work engages with the narrative of Estonian folklore and nature. The piece was created from an old linen shirt. The artist took a portion of the fabric and used fabric paints to craft a surrealistic portrait, visually inspired by Jüri Arrak’s paintings and philosophically by Arvo Pärt’s music. The artist took a portion of the fabric and used fabric paints to craft a surrealistic portrait, visually inspired by Jüri Arrak’s paintings and philosophically by Arvo Pärt’s music.

This simplified image embodies a powerful emotional metaphor, linking the unconscious and conscious mind, as well as exploring the connection between human nature and the natural world.

Styling and Creative Direction : Inesa Kupratsevich

Photography : Ekaterina Petukhova

Model: Olesja Semenkova