How Juuso Laatio Painted the Spirit of Delta Life
Two decades of creative work spanning photography, film, music, and screenwriting; his own art studio; multiple exhibitions. Despite all this, Juuso Laatio is still shy about the "A-word."
"I’d like to say I’m an artist, but I don’t have the nerve to give myself that title. Should there be some kind of diploma that I’m missing?" Laatio muses in his characteristically self-critical style.
For now, let’s at least grant Laatio the title of Delta Life Visual Artist. From Laatio’s brush emerged an energetic and striking image featuring performers and characters from the Delta Life event. The picture will be seen in posters and other visual materials of the event.
"There is an ambitious story behind the event. Jukka Takalo had a vision of a movie-poster-style image. I ended up making a sketch that didn’t pass right away, but we polished it until it was ready", Laatio explains.
The result is a painting where the air guitar forces of the Western powers collide with characters wielding the sword of the word. Among the many details, one can find both clichéd symbols of Oulu and layers of cultural history, all wrapped in a carnivalesque atmosphere fitting for the air guitar style.
"Commissioned works always come with a different kind of pressure when you aren't just doing it for yourself."
Juuso Laatio captured the creative process on film:
Laatio left long film projects behind. As a counterweight to years of planning and the grind of securing funding, he began to paint.
"This is raw craftsmanship, and I don't have to listen to anyone else. You see results faster."
Laatio admits that the transition has been scary at times, but putting himself out there is also rewarding. His personal work can be described as dark, often dealing with the difficult aspects of the mind.
"It feels rewarding to get feedback from someone who hasn't been able to describe their own feelings but has found peer support in my work. I’m not the best at talking about things myself," Laatio reflects on the meaning of art for himself and others.
Oulu Fan Celebrates the Capital of Culture Year
Oulu’s year as the European Capital of Culture delights Laatio, who identifies as a genuine "Oulu fan." This is a rare attitude among the typically self-critical residents of the city.
"Maybe during this year, it’ll finally become clear why I like Oulu so much," Laatio says with a chuckle.
Currently, Laatio is planning an art exhibition in the center of Oulu as part of an artist collective. The Delta Life project also sparked an interest in exploring new types of characters.
"I did a lot of faces for this piece, and I’ve become interested in painting different kinds of portraits," Laatio says, fingering a frame waiting for a new canvas on his studio desk.
Juuso Laatio
- Visual artist, film director, and screenwriter.
- A long and multidisciplinary career in film, music videos, and visual arts; co-creator of the Heavy Trip films.
- Shifted focus to visual arts, working primarily with acrylic painting.
- His works combine cinematic qualities, musical influences, dark and gritty expression, and the shadows of the human experience.
- Private studio in Heinäpää, Oulu.
- Born and bred in Oulu, and proud of it.
- Hobbies: Exercise, games, "art-nerding," and attending therapy.
- Family: The world's loveliest partner.
