Elucidate Attraction: The Beings of Light
7 The Elucidate Attraction series gives lots of space for observation and exploration of the subsconscious mind.
28 The colors and energy put on them, the shapes and abstraction make the imagination of the viewer fly and sometimes even create stories based on the art works. Stories seen, stories felt, stories of the Beings of Light.
Elucidate Attraction 1 - The manifestation of the unconscious mind. The beginning. The first waterfall of light previous to its evolution in the universe of masive energy. A metaphysical expression of Art.
2 Delicate and sublime. The beings of light sharing one more peaceful moment in the house by the water. The colorful subterranean vegetation serves as roof.
They are unaware of the disturbances in the surface. Harmony reigns in the subterranean world of light.
Elucidate Attraction 2 by Butch Payawal
3 A waterfall of light in the jungle. Did I say I love the reflection in the water?
4 A cave. Subterranean life living in peace. A hole on the surface and the waterfall of light reflecting on the water its mystical meaning.
Elucidate Attraction 3 - A waterfall of light in the jungle. Did I say I love the reflection in the water?
5 The beings of light. The escence, the energy alive. The souls inhabiting the subterranean world. Two souls who have found and recognize each other, sharing the same energy, the same light, the same love.
How beautiful that is!
6 Light and reflection. The escence, what is not said, what is not seen by the human eye. the invisible only visible by the heart, the soul. The mind. Your paintings trigger the inner light in us, the soul. The paintings are a reflection of the soul. It is in us what we are able to see. It is in us what they reflect, manifest. As the waterfall is reflected, we reflect too.
Elucidate Attraction 21 by Butch Payawal
Elucidate Attraction Series by Butch Payawal
Copyright Butch Payawal 2008
Elucidate Attraction: The Beings of Light text by Susan Fourtané
Copyright Susan Fourtané 2008
New designs on city life
AgriPuncture Greenhouse by Dylan Kwok. Photo by Dylan Kwok.
SUSAN FOURTANÉ
HELSINKI TIMES
The world is rapidly evolving. In an era of social networking, environmental changes, massive overflow of information, people are constantly challenged to use and adapt to their surroundings in myriad new ways.
The visions of the spatial design degree students of the University of Art and Design Helsinki clearly expose ideas which concern real innovations in the city space. Can they succeed in inspiring public interest in developing their own city?
The exhibition What if . . .?, supported by The University of Art and Design Helsinki, Laitilan Wirvoitusjuomatehdas Oy and the Korean Student Association showcases some responses to this challenge.
Dylan Kwon, for example, outlines a strategy for reinvigorating older areas of downtown Helsinki by introducing small green space into urban courtyards to support a new sustainable lifestyle. In Dong Uk Lee’s vision, Hakaniemi Market Square would evolve into a futuristic urban space promoting social life in innovative ways.
What if . . . ?
Narinkka 2, Helsinki
Until 24 October
www.laituri.hel.fi
First published in the Helsinki Times on October 22nd, 2009.
The art and tradition of swordsmanship
By SUSAN FOURTANÉ
HELSINKI TIMES
A brave knight in heavy armor, Highland Scots and medieval castles is what
probably comes to our mind when we first hear of The School of European
Swordsmanship in Helsinki.
Guy Windsor (left) and Ilkka Hartikainen Photo by Matti Hartikainen
probably comes to our mind when we first hear of The School of European
Swordsmanship in Helsinki.
GUY WINDSOR, author of The Swordsman’s Companion and The Duellist’s
Companion, founded the school in March 2001 under the principle that the
practice of historical martial arts is good for the mind, body and soul.
The success of the school and the fast increase in the number of students
in Helsinki gave rise to the opening of five branches in Finland and
sister schools in Sweden and Singapore. The school offers training and
research, hosts seminars by visiting instructors in western martial arts,
and presents free demonstrations.
Helsinki Times: What was it like to start this non-traditional kind of
business in Finland?
Guy Windsor: Lots of paper work and red tape. It happened that I was the
right kind of foreigner- Finns are used to importing specialists, so I got
the benefit of the doubt. It was relatively easy except for finding an
accountant who speaks English.
HT: How did the idea of starting a school in Helsinki develop?
GW: I was working as an antique restorater in Edinburgh, which was making
me miserable. I thought I had two options, either move to the United
States or stay. Then it hit me: move to Helsinki and open a school. So I
did.
HT: Are there different courses or there is only one type of course?
GW: After the beginners’ course, students usually continue with basic
training in medieval foot combat, before adding other stylesm such as
rapier.
HT: How long does it take to achieve a good level of practice?
GW: It depends on the student, and how much they practice. I’ve been
training since 1986, and still have a long way to go.
HT: What kind of background has someone who wants to learn
European Swordsmanship?
GW: We have different sorts of people, from tax experts to journalists and
history students, united by a common interest in swords.
Guy Windsor learned from his grandfather, Dr Hector Apergis, the most important skill: extension first! Photo by Ilkka Hartikainen
The regular 90 minute practice with the longsword includes five basic
drills, taken from an Italian Swordsmanship Treatise from 1409, Fiore
battaglia by Fiore dei Liberi. The classes are usually of mixed levels,
where the more advanced help the others through their own experience. This
helps the seniors with their understanding of the material, and boosts the
beginners.
After the practice, I had a chance to speak with the students and learn
more about this fascinating discipline. Johanna Rytkönen told me she
enjoyed reading every fantasy book she could find in the library, so it
was easy to be lured by the magic of seeing herself mastering the sword.
HT: What motivated you to come to the school?
Johanna Rytkönen: When I was sixteen I saw a demo in a Middle Ages
Festival. That was six years ago. I joined the school and since then I’ve
been practising, with some breaks. Now I want to try back word, (a
one-hand sword). The practice gives me a secure feeling, something for not
being afraid when I walk alone in the dark streets.
The School of European Swordsmanship
Luiskatie 8, 00770 Helsinki
www.swordschool.com
Beginner’s course starts on 6 October
Published first in the Helsinki Times on October 1st, 2009
www.helsinkitimes.fi
Poetry & Jazz and the autumn leaves
Joel Holmberg
Poetical words and musical notes come along with the colourful autumn leaves in Helsinki. Theatre director, writer and poet Joel Holmberg had a word with the Helsinki Times on this autumn’s Threats of Poetry & Jazz Issued.
Helsinki Times: What’s the story behind the theme?
Joel Holmberg: At our initial meeting, everything is read aloud for the first time. I, as the director, listen very carefully and choose the best things. I also time everything to see that it fits into a one hour programme. Then I, along with everyone else, try to see if there is a common theme – or at least something which can be nudged into the major theme. We sometimes come up with several suggestions, but often at least one of us, usually Zoë Chandler, hears a common theme. This time, Lives and Deaths came up after hearing everything.
HT: Are the poets/writers performing original pieces?
JH: An invitation is sent out via FinnBritPlayers for anyone who is interested in performing should come to that initial meeting. Original material is preferred, but also acceptable is material by other people with their specific consent, or works in the public domain. The latter usually means the author has been dead for at least 70 years.
HT: Tell us about the backstage of this already classic event.
JH: I began the series in 200l with 2 performances per year – spring and autumn. It was initially in Café Engel, but we have moved over to Arkadia International Bookshop. The performer is completely alone facing the audience on floor-level with no one to fill in any mistakes or blank moments. My job includes making sure people speak clearly and not too rapidly so that everyone can understand – this is very important since many of the audience are not native English language speakers. What is wonderful is the variety of poetry, stories or dialogues.
If a writer doesn’t have the confidence to perform, but would like his/her piece to be heard, then I must determine who would be willing to perform it. This time around there is a new person who has never performed, but has some lovely poems. Because she is a bright and positive person, I spent extra time coaching her performance.
HT: How does the clarinet music fit within the performances?
JH: The clarinettist, John Millar, has been a standby for many of the performances. He is a classically trained musician and excellent with improvisation. He creates the proper mood for each piece. His major job is to keep the flow of the program moving so that there are no blank spots. He also has a solo piece in the programme. A word about the word Jazz: It is an overall word encompassing many styles. For the most part it has not been the driving, heavily rhythmic type which is often associated with jazz. It is more like the music of one of my favourite jazz musicians, Errol Garner.
HT: How would you summarize the programme?
JH: All programmes have had a great deal of feeling, which can extend from gloomy to joyful and humorous. There are pieces which internalize and others which observe and experience that observation. The audience is always very attentive.
Threats of Poetry & Jazz Issued
17 & 24 Sept at 19:00
Arkadia International Bookshop
Pohjoinen Hesperiankatu 9, Helsinki
www.arkadiabookshop.fi
www.finnbritplayers.com
Free entry
SUSAN FOURTANÉ – HELSINKI TIMES
Image – Susan Fourtané
First published in the Helsnki Times on September 24th
Planting trees for peace
Primary school students planting olive trees in Iraq with the help of volunteers. The plan is for each student to care for his or her own tree.
ENO Environment Online started as a global virtual school for sustainable development in 2000. Based in Joensuu, Finland, it has received funding from the National Board of Education and has rapidly grown globally.
FOUNDED AND DIRECTED by Mika Vanhanen, the ENO Programme aims to plant 100 million trees by 2017. Schools in more than one hundred countries have taken part in Climate Change Campaigns. In 2009 cities were invited to join the programme. On 21 September at noon, celebrating the International Day of Peace established by the United Nations in 1981, around three thousand schools worldwide will plant trees in a call for global unity, a sustainable planet and world peace while radio stations play Imagine, by John Lennon.
Helsinki Times: What is the main goal of the ENO program?
Mika Vanhanen: To spread awareness about environment and encourage learners to work for their environment and sustainability.
HT: What is the impact of ENO Tree Planting in climate change?
MV: We have had three big campaigns; children have raised the issue locally, challenging people to do something to reduce the effect of climate change.
When planting trees they are doing some concrete deeds as trees tie carbon dioxide.
HT: Do you think the children of the world can make a difference by making leaders wake up to the reality of our planet?
MV: Yes, but not alone. Children can challenge people locally and globally. They can keep on reminding adults to prioritise environmental problems. It is said that It takes a village to raise a child, but we see it vice versa: It takes a child to raise a village when it’s about the importance of the environment.
ENO Programme
www.enoprogramme.org
SUSAN FOURTANÉ – HELSINKI TIMES
Image – Tero Koski
First published in the Helsinki Times on September 24th, 2009.
Painting Finland through Irish eyes
Dublin artist Alan Hogan draws inspiration from Finnish nature, its lush landscapes and the beauty of the different seasons to create colourful and memorable landscapes.
ALAN HOGAN has a permanent exhibition on display at The Art Garage in Karis/Karjaa, a mainly Swedish-speaking town one hour away from Helsinki. The gallery doors open to a world of vibrant colours and joyful scenes with a touch of sweet melancholy. Hogan warmly guides the visitors on a personal tour while explaining techniques and sources of inspiration, telling little stories about the paintings.
The art works are the result of an inner metamorphosis of emotions, transforming the negative that happens in the world into positive and beautiful as he explains: “I prefer to paint subjects that give people a little joy and hope”.
The acrylic and aquarelle on canvas are impressions of the artist’s life in Finland. Beautiful sunsets, dreamy summer nights, snowy landscapes and his beloved Finnish cat contrast with some abstract works representing themes like recession or his introspective synopsis of the future of his own art. “I will always aim to bring something positive to the world through my art”, admits the artist.
Hogan says that his style of paintings may change every now and then, simply because society and people change. “It is these changes that influence and inspire new ideas”, he concludes. The works have a positive effect in the viewer’s mood. It is a highly recommended open studio experience that allows a closer connection to the art through his creator.
The Art Garage
Open every Saturday
11:00 to 14:00
Åstorpsgatan 7, Karis
www.alanhogano.webs.com
Susan Fourtané – Helsinki Times
Image: Snow Tango by Alan Hogan
Bright tunes in Espoo
Built in the mid-15th century, Espoo Church is the oldest existing building in Helsinki’s neighbouring city. The oldest parts date back to the 1480s. The medieval grey granite church hosts the Organ Night and Aria Festival, giving a perfect atmosphere to the programme that ranges from Baroque to 1960s gospel this year.
There is a special focus on organ music, which can be heard in several of the concerts. Finnish music is also well represented. The Tapiola Chamber Choir with soloists will perform Einojuhani Rautavaara’s Vigilia on 20 August, and Candomino choir’s repertoire includes choral music by Leevi Madetoja and Toivo Kuula, as well as Finnish folk songs. The main guest this year is soprano Camilla Nylund.
The Organ Night
and Aria Festival
Until 27 August
Espoo Cathedral
Concerts usually begin
at 22:00
Contact: 09 8674 4120
Programme and tickets:
www.urkuyofestival.fi
Organ Night and Aria
organises coach transport
for concertgoers after the
concerts, via South Espoo
to Helsinki.
Susan Fourtané – Helsinki Times
Electric Cars: Fighting climate change at your fingertips
Electric Cars: Fighting Climate Change at Your Fingertips
by Susan Fourtané
Thomas Edison and the dream of an electric car, 1913 (courtesy of the National Museum of American History)
Freedom of convenient travel did not come alone. Concern about the role of the car and air pollution first arose in southern California in the late 1940s and early 1950s. However, it was not until after the first Earth Day on April 22 1970 that laws and regulations concerning environmental action grew increasingly more important to the American people. It was time for a change. Nevertheless, consciousness about the damage caused to the environment, the dramatic consequences of climate change and an urge to a global call did not come until more recent years.
Electric cars: the ultimate weapon
Although the history of the electric car began in the mid-19th century, the high cost and low speed compared to internal combustion vehicles led to a worldwide decline in their practical use. Recently, the new advancements in technology went back to the roots of the electric car, giving birth to a new hope. Being quiet, clean, energy-efficient and having better endurance, the electric car represents the ultimate weapon serving in protecting the environment at the same time as being an efficient, sustainable vehicle for the concerned global population.
The Finnish open source project
Electric Cars – Now! is an open source Electric Vehicle (EV) community based in Finland, working to promote the mass conversion of Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) cars to electric drive making electric cars affordable to everybody. The first model being converted is a Toyota Corolla.
eCorolla by Electric Cars Now!
The project bases its success in gaining a critical mass of 500 consumers willing to buy an electric car. This number of orders brings the price of a typical family car to the same price of an ICE car. More than 700 people in Finland, from a total population of 5 million, have indicated they are potential candidates to purchase an electric Corolla. Norway’s Enviro Elbilsag, a company selling electric cars, has also ordered 300 vehicles. Mass production brings the price of the electric car to a very reasonable level. The target price for an electric Corolla (e-Corolla) converted from a three-year-old ICE vehicle is 25,000€, the sales price of a new Corolla in Finland. Increasing the range to 300km raises the price to 32,500€.
Electric Cars – Now! updates new and slightly used ICE cars into Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV). The pollutant gasoline engine is being dismantled, as well as all parts connected to the engine, such as exhaust, tank, etc. Then the car is fitted with pinnacle electric technology of the present day. The assembly consists of a high quality permanent magnet motor, state-of-the art lithium batteries and a computer with an Internet connection controlling the system. In its standard configuration, the converted Corolla will have a range of 150km and a top speed of around 130km/h. In the extended configuration the range will be of 300km.
Electric cars, produced as described, save significant amounts of energy and resources compared to manufacturing of new cars. Factory-made update kits enable the installation within a few hours. Besides producing the design for the e-Corolla, the community designs an easy-to-use web interface that will be used by car buyers to purchase a corolla, the required EV components and to select a garage that will do the conversion work. In this way, it will create a marketplace for EV conversion activity by combining the power of a large number of consumers and distributed manufacturing with the outsourcing of the list of buyers and the interface platform.
Electric – Cars Now! is currently inviting bids for a variety of components. Brusa motors and Li-Ion batteries supplied by FEVT (Finnish Electric Vehicle Technologies) are strong candidates. In the standard configuration, the motor and batteries will weigh about the same as an ICE engine and occupy a similar amount of space. To reduce the time required for conversion, most of the EV components will be an integrated module that attaches to the existing fixing points, so the inertia of the electric set will be approximately the same as the engine it replaces.
The program also creates significant possibilities for a whole new market. Countless start-up enterprises will have the chance to become experts in technology of the new generation by converting conventional cars into electric cars. In ten years’ time the traffic will look, sound and feel completely different from what we know today, offering us a quieter and cleaner way of life, all in all, resulting in a happier and healthier planet for all.
Becoming part of the solution, one car at a time
Car emissions are a global threatening concern. There are numerous technological advances beginning to clear up these toxic gases emitted by internal combustion cars. However, there is an urgent need of cooperation by everyone around the globe if we are serious in our determination of protecting the environment. Planet Earth is suffering from human abuse. Day after day a serious threat in the form of climate change affects different ecosystems and their inhabitants. The electric car is an effective solution to reduce the greenhouse gases.
Sharing knowledge builds global strength
Open Source projects are not new to Finland. Linus Tovalds gave a new concept to the IT world creating the Linux OS during his years as a computer science student at the University of Helsinki. Tovalds uploaded the first version of Linux, version 0.01, in September 1991. Since then, Linux belonged to the world. Following the same inspiring initiative, electric car experts, marketing and media professionals and IT wizards work on a project that promises to bring something revolutionary to the world rather than having an aim to make a profit.
Electric Cars – Now! encourages others to start a sister project, helping to build a strong global community working together to fight climate change making e-Corolla the car for the future generations. The root project in Finland is happy to help anyone interested.
One electric car doesn’t fix the problem of climate change. But by driving an electric car you become a part of the solution instead of being a part of the problem.
Electric Cars – Now!: eCarsNow@gmail.com
www.sahkoautot.fi/eng
British & Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce in Finland: A bridge to the world
Editorial
BCCCF: A bridge to the world
By Susan Fourtané
The BCCCF is one of its kind: It is the only British Chamber based in a country which does not belong to the Commonwealth of Nations. It is also the only Chamber of commerce in the world working with all 53 Commonwealth countries.
The BCCCF is lead by Garry Parker, founder Chairman of the organisation. For Parker, Finland can act as the hub for businesses between Nordic and Baltic countries. “Even if the main purpose for our organisation is to promote business opportunities between Finland and the Commonwealth, BCCCF will also be working for the whole Nordic and Baltic Region from Helsinki”, he said when opening the launch seminar.
Among the speakers was Austin Browne, Commercial Director at the Commonwealth Business Council in London, welcomed the BCCCF and noted that “this initiative is needed to promote business throughout the Commonwealth nations, big and small.” Pekka Huhtaniemi, Under-Secretary of State at Finland’s Foreign Ministry, said that “there is room for developing new activities for business between Finland and the Commonwealth countries.”
Harri Pärssinen, CEO of Ernst & Young and BCCCF Vice Chairman, concluded the evening by saying that “joining or partnering with BCCCF is a positive way for Finnish enterprises to find the right business partner or opportunity in any member country, and be part of a lively network, with one business language that we Finns can handle.” Other relevant topics that were discussed at the seminar included how to bring Finnish enterprise to the Commonwealth nations and vice versa. Questions such as tackling business corruption and cultural differences were part of the discussion, leaving room for further follow-up.
The Commonwealth of Nations: A little history
To understand the function of the Commonwealth we first need to understand the meaning or the word and its origin. Dating from the 15th century, the English noun Commonwealth comes from the original phrase common-wealth which comes from the old meaning of wealth, which is well-being. The term literally meant common well-being.
The Commonwealth of Nations –formerly the British Commonwealth- is a voluntary association of 53 independent sovereign states, most of which are former British colonies or dependencies of these colonies, plus the United Kingdom itself. The Commonwealth membership includes both republics and monarchies.
Thirty per cent of the world’s population is represented by the Commonwealth of Nations. The head of the Commonwealth is chosen by leaders through consensus. When the modern Commonwealth came into being in 1949; King George VI was asked to be head by leaders of the member states. After he died, leaders of the member states of the Commonwealth asked Queen Elizabeth II to become head. In the same way, when she dies, leaders will once again select the head by a consensus decision.
Susan Fourtané can be contacted at susan.fourtane@bcccf.fi
Written by Susan Fourtané for the British & Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce in Finland.
This Editorial was first published on August 14th, as part of the BCCCF August newsletter.
http://www.bcccf.fi/newsletter/august2009.html
Classical sounds by the seaside
Cellist Yuko Miyagawe is one of the performers at Rauma Festivo.
THE HISTORIC Old Rauma, founded in 1442 and selected a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991, will receive world-renowned Finnish and international musicians in the first and second weeks of August.
This year, the Rauma Festivo offers a French theme due to a majority of French music composers like Mélanie Bonis, Francis Poulenc, Ernest Chausson and Camille Saint-Saéns. The festival offers 12 chamber music concerts at different venues in Rauma, the wooden church of Eurajoki and the Vuojoki mansion.
Artistic director and violinist Mark Gothoni, son of world-famous pianist and conductor Ralf Gothoni, will perform with the Mozart Piano Quartet this year. The Mozart Piano Quartet, one of the leading piano quartets in the world, has been invited to be ensemble-in-residence for the festival.
There will be a children’s concert on 4 August starting at 10 in the morning performed by students of the Music Institute of Rauma.
Café Sali, the festival’s cafeteria, offers visitors free entry to its music matinées performed by talented professional musicians. In August, just before the nights slowly turn us into having a more tranquil mood, listening to fine chamber music among the brightly painted wooden houses in Old Rauma sounds like a treat for the soul.
Rauma Festivo
3-9 August
Programme in English
www.raumanfestivo.fi
Susan Fourtané – Helsinki Times
RAUMA FESTIVO 2009 -Image
