Heta makes animated films, mostly with the technique of drawing, and also drawings that don’t move at all.
year of birth: 1989
Birthplace: Finland
current residence: Tallinn, Estonia
started thinking about animation as a profession after seeing some animations for adults in Tampere Film Festival 2003. Among them, Breakfast on the Grass by Priit Pärn. she remembers walking the windy Hämeenkatu in the evening darkness and humming the tune from the film.
Where did it all begin?
Probably when my mother met my father.
What is the worst advice you’ve heard?
It’s not even advice but a stupid comment… That I look like the type that drops out of animation school. This particular person, however, apologized to me years later and gifted me their book.
Most beautiful moment during the creative process?
The dreaming state in the beginning is nice. And later if there is some deep thoughtless labor, that can also be nice. In filmmaking I especially enjoy the editing process. A lot of uncomfortable moments fit between these.
What doesn’t inspire you?
New suburbs, most of the time. Shopping malls.
What are you proud of?
I’m proud of the times I’ve managed to convey something useful and delightful to my students.
Who would you like to meet or who would you like to work with?
I’d like to have Joni Mitchell and Laurie Anderson as mentors.
Favorite material?
Nice paper and watercolor.
What would you have done, if not this?
No idea. From time to time I think about social work with young people. Maybe a job that would help them to feel that they are part of this society, or help them to be. But I don’t know if I’d really be good at it.
When was your biggest moment of doubt?
They appear from time to time. It’s an inevitable part of creative life and also a sign that you’re sensitive to what you’re doing.
Who is your biggest supporter?
In a creative sense it’s probably all the writers, poets, dancers, film makers and puppet theatre artists whose work continues to touch me. I need all that in order to understand and preserve my life.
Favorite image?
I recently discovered this Finnish children’s book from 1923 whose illustrations I love.
What is to you, the most beautiful sentence?
“Should we make a cup of coffee?”
This is originally a favourite sentence of my friend Tallu. But I think it’s a good one.
What do you still want to do?
A puppet theatre performance. Learn how to play harmonica. Live with a garden.
Where do you work?
I share a studio space with 3 other animation makers. Here’s a photo of my table both in a romantic setting – without working on the computer – and another one with the reality check. (laughs)
Want to see more of Heta’s work?
makers over hun passie. 