Sari Torvinen – Visual Artist, Art Teacher and Public Art Expert from Finland
-The website is currently under construction and updated continuously.-
Welcome to the website of Sari Torvinen, a visual artist, art teacher and public art expert based in Turku, Finland. This website presents my contemporary art portfolio, public art expertise and teaching work, as well as information about Torvisen Taidekoulu (Torvinen Art School).
Torvisen Taidekoulu offers:
- online visual art entrance exam preparation courses
- portfolio coaching and private lessons
- visual arts hobby courses
- art education for aspiring artists
If you are interested in purchasing artworks or learning more about available courses and private teaching, please visit the TEOSMYYNTI JA VERKKOKAUPPA (Art Sale and Webshop) in the menu.
BIO
CONTEMPORARY ART – Inspired by Plants, Ecology and Biodiversity
Plants have become the central inspiration in my artistic practice during recent years. Through painting, woodcut, photography and mixed media, I explore the relationship between humans and plants, ecological interdependence, biodiversity and the cycles of nature.
For me, plants represent continuity, security and care. Plant motifs allow me to reflect on:
- ecology and environmental change
- food production and sustainability
- biodiversity and ecosystems
- decay, transformation and renewal
- the relationship between humans and nature
PUBLIC ART – Public Art, Site-Specific Art and Green Art
I have extensive experience teaching site-specific art and public art at university level. In addition to teaching, I have coordinated public art specialisation studies, interdisciplinary art projects and art events in public spaces.
In 2025, I completed a Master’s degree in Public Art at LAB University of Applied Sciences. My studies focused especially on the possibilities of green art and participatory environmental art in public space.
My MA thesis, The Triumphal Arch of Worms: Participatory Green Art as Public Art in the Context of Posthumanism and Art Competitions, is freely available on Theseus.
I am available for:
- public art projects
- lectures and workshops
- teaching in public and site-specific art
- art project coordination
- collaborative and participatory art initiatives
ART TEACHING – Visual Art Education
I have taught visual arts at university level since 1999, first as a full-time lecturer and currently as a part-time course teacher.
My teaching experience includes:
- painting and drawing
- contemporary art practices
- site-specific art
- public art
- visual expression and creative process development
I have worked as:
- tutor teacher for graduating students
- painting teacher
- lecturer in visual arts
- coordinator of public art specialisation programmes
In addition, I have extensive experience teaching children, young people and adult art enthusiasts in art schools, community education programmes and workshops.
From 2010 to 2024, I also taught visual arts part-time at Turku University Training School.
QUALIFICATIONS
2024–2025 Master’s Degree, Fine Artist, major in Public Art, LAB University of Applied Sciences, Lappeenranta
1983–1987 Professional Degree, Fine Artist, major in Painting, Lahti Art Institute, Lahti
OTHER STUDIES
2006–2008 Pedagogical Studies in Teacher Education 60 ECTS, HAAGA-HELIA University of Applied Sciences, Helsinki
1995 & 1996 Artist Residency/Research Programme, major in Photography, Rijksakademie van Beeldende Kunsten, Amsterdam, Netherlands
1988—89 Fine Arts, major in Painting and Printmaking, Hogeschool Rotterdam & Omstreken, Faculteit der kunsten en architectuur, Rotterdam, Netherlands
Sari Torvinen 