By Ritva Sillanmäki Photography

I’m a student of life; I see beauty in nature, people and the world around me, small details and complete view. Without the ability to actualize an idea or concept, art would not exist. My work is a constant search for the best way to interpret the ideas that I have about myself and the world I live in. I do not limit myself to one medium, style, or concept.

Inspiration and ideas change. My knowledge changes and grows. Each piece I create is simultaneously an extension from the past, where I’ve come from and what I’ve learned, as well as a preview of the future, where I’m going.

I do not classify myself as just a photographer, as some might think from looking at my work. I am a sculptor, a painter, a photographer, an artist.

If a viewer stops for just a moment to view and reflect on a photograph, a photo collage or a painting I have created, then I have succeeded in my work.

Martins Beach

the distinctive shark’s tooth rock at Martin’s Beach 

Martins Beach on the San Mateo County coast, seven miles south of Half Moon Bay. The only way onto this scenic beach is a single road through private property.  The owner restricted access to that road by displaying “No Trespassing” signs, charging parking fees, and locking its access gate. 

We went there anyways as we we advised that it is a great spot for photography, as it was. We spent few hours there watching the changing skies over the ocean. The sky had different shades depending what direction you looked at and also as time passed to evening , that also had some effect. There we about five other people there also taking photos and one surfer also came.

Beach Life

I know you must be tired of seeing my photos of beaches and cliffs, I don’t care. We stopped here also for a moment (Pomponio State Beach) . I have admit that these too are photos that do justice to the atmosphere on the beach that day, I rather like these. I also did a set of these photos that I edited rather strongly, I do like them also and I will post them in a separate post.

Pomponio State Beach

This beach is located 12 miles south of Half Moon Bay along the San Mateo coastline, this area provides access to miles of gently sloping, sandy beaches at the base of high sandstone bluffs. 

Kollaasi 219 (7/2020)

At this week shades of colours are found from chrysolite.  I am having so much fun planning and doing these collages and at the same time going through my photo archives. Discovering photos I did not remember I’ve taken. Some are truly finds 🙂 So much for modesty! I did three just for the fun of it 🙂

McWay Falls

McWay Falls(   80-foot-tall (24 m) waterfall)  is “that” waterfall in Big Sur that everyone has seen and many have photographed. That now includes me. The Cliff areas beyond the fenced boundaries, including the beach, saddle rock and the falls area are completely off limits. So the end of the trail was where you could take the photos. Our time of visit was not the best as the light was rather harsh, but we did not have the opportunity and time to pick the time of the visit.

The Inn at Spanish Bay

The Inn at Spanish Bay at sunset. I have to say it was a truly memorable experience to relax by the warm fire pits with some hors d’oeuvres and cocktails to wait for the sunset and hear and enjoy the sounds of the bagpiper as he puts the golf course to sleep in Scottish tradition. Once in a life time for me that’s for sure!

Lovers Point

Lovers Point Park has above all become Pacific Grove’s best-loved spot for scenic photography. Because of its unique east-facing location, it is also one of the only spots on the West Coast where you can watch the sun rise over the water, but we were not lucky the morning was gray and misty. Still it was a nice spot to visit first thing in the morning.

Pink

One of the groups I participate have color there, but not in collage. This month its pink. Going outside to find pink is not an option. It is a good thing I favor pink in apparel, I have lots of pink scarfs for one thing. I took several photos, does that surprise anyone, no? I took some time to edit them. Now I should pick my favorite, could you help me?

This one?

Kollaasi 217 (5/2020)

 At this week shades of colours are found from sardonyx. Those who know me know that I certainly have hard choice of choosing. So, once again I made two collages, same pics, but different layout and could not choose which one to post. What can you do, you can either like them or not 🙂 that is your choice!