The Artistic Approach to Balance: Elham Sedighi's Perspective
- Jun 13
- 6 min read
Elham is a vibrant artist known for her colorful paintings that evoke deep emotions and engage viewers. Her warm and inviting personality encourages conversations about her artistic journey and inspirations.
"I do paintings in abstract and cubism styles, each with a story behind them. In most of my paintings, I want to give the message of not being afraid of the dark because there is always hope and light at the back of darkness, too. ", defines Sedighi.
She recently organized a free event in the Asukas-tila to showcase her artwork and connect with the community. The venue was filled with her paintings, creating a joyful atmosphere.
"I would love to work as an artist in painting and making exhibitions, but I have not yet found a job in that sector. So, I am painting at home and working on my manicure job now. "Sedighi explains.
Elham's event featured free food, drinks, music, and dancing, encouraging guests to celebrate and connect while showcasing her art.
"This is what I am currently focused on, and I am also helping my husband in filmmaking and theatre. My husband has made a film called Muutos." Sedighi presents.
Elham, a Kurdish woman from Iran who speaks Persian and Kurdish, moved to Finland with her husband and two sons, aged 19 and 4, about six years ago. She describes learning the Finnish language by expressing:
"I have attended two Finnish courses, passed the exam, and received a certificate at level B1. In the beginning, when we came to live in Finland, I studied the language on my own with the help of my mobile phone. It didn't seem very difficult to me at first, but after a while, I realized that the Finnish language is not only very easy but also beautiful. I truly enjoy the Finnish language."
Through this reflection, Elham emphasizes her dedication to learning and evolving appreciation for the language, highlighting the beauty she has discovered along her journey. Her personal and professional growth has a history. She presents:
"In my home country, I studied graphics and, after graduating, worked in the art sector and with kids in kindergarten. I also taught at a driving school. Currently, I'm interested in painting and manicures, embracing the beauty of my hands and nails. Painting has been my passion since I was 10, a love I've nurtured throughout my life.", describes Sedighi.
Elham Sedighi's career journey illustrates how experiences can shape our decisions and lead us toward paths that align better with our interests and goals. She continues:
"In Finland, I went to Careeria ammattikoulu in Helsinki, where I studied the Finnish language and got a certificate in koulunkäynninohjaaja. I worked for a while in elementary school with kids. It was such a nice experience. However, I decided I didn't want to continue working with children. "
Nonetheless, Elham's work experience has already provided her with valuable insights. Elham reflects on her experiences and observations, stating:
"Here in Finland, everybody gets involved in decision-making, and the opinions and ideas of workers are valued. But in my home country, the decisions are made mainly by bosses. ", she describes. She continues that timing is an important issue in Finland. She continues:
"In my home country, being late is justified and accepted, but I mean not treated seriously. However, in Finland, being on time at the workplace is important, and being late is considered disrespectful. This is good and makes sense; it is positive and understandable. "
Elham reflects on her experiences with pay practices across different cultures, saying, "In Finland, salaries are paid on time as they should be according to the law, but in my home country, payments are often delayed." She emphasizes the importance of timely payments in fostering trust and stability in the workplace, contrasting it with the frustrations she has witnessed back home.
Elham recalls on her experiences and says, "In Finland, there is a nice space between work and personal and family life. After specific work hours, people usually go home to spend time with family. But in my home country, there is often so much extra work to be done after the official hours. Therefore, there is less time spent with family, less relaxation, and less ability to engage in healthy activities."
This quote encapsulates Elham's perspective on the contrasting work-life balance in Finland compared to her home country, highlighting the importance of spending quality time with family and prioritizing well-being over extended work commitments.
She adds, "Everything related to work and its environment, including rules and regulations and relationships between employees and employers, is more seriously respected here in Finland. Colleagues have friendly relationships within themselves and with their bosses, but rules and regulations are also respected. Putting both together in harmony is essential in the Finnish system. "
Elham articulates her deep-seated belief that human rights form the backbone of a just society. She admires Finland's dedication to these principles, particularly through the Children's Rights Day observance. She states:
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"There are many differences in the system, lifestyle, and culture, but they are very interesting. The one thing that I must certainly mention because it is impressive and important to me is that human rights are respected and applied well in the system. I am amazed that there is also Children's Rights Day in Finland; this is wonderful and powerful. Here in Finland, human rights are respected, and the system gives value to people, which is very important, vital, and precious. "
Elham embraces cultural differences as opportunities for growth and shares:
"The differences in culture are many, but I would not call them 'problems'; I would rather look at the differences with a positive attitude because there is always something new to learn from them.", she continues,
However, small things might seem funny to people as a challenge; for example, I can not find my way home easily in the darkness of the night. But I need to say it honestly and frankly as a practical part of my life here anyway. And I am in the learning process about it.
Elham accepts the challenges of living in a new country, including adapting to the climate and respecting local rules. She shares:
"I know that when I live in a new country, of course, I must adapt my new life to many things here, such as the weather and the darkness in wintertime, which is certainly okay for me. I know that we need to respect the rules and regulations of the country where we live. This makes sense to me and is also meaningful because I have learned new things, too. "
Elham expresses a deep appreciation for the Finnish people. She describes:
"I have many Finnish friends, but not many from my home country or other nationalities. Finns because are very kind and friendly to me. Finnish people are not nosy but very respectful, which is important. They are hard workers, peaceful, honest, and true. I find Finnish people very cultured and skilled in many areas, and I am so happy to learn many things from them. I like my warm-hearted Finnish friends. Not only does it make me feel welcome, but it also has positive aspects of 'growing,' developing, and learning for me. "
Elham emphasizes the importance of welcoming newcomers to Finland. She believes that the essence of community lies in openness and understanding. Elham states:
"My message is that we have come to live in a free country with good values and respect for humanity and human rights. Let's be grateful and try our best to build a good life here with dignity and always try to learn, develop, and grow more and better. Once we accomplish a goal, such as learning a language or a skill, we can start to focus on building a new positive project/goal. We are creators of our life, and we shall do it. We must love each other, love Finnish people, be grateful to them, and be faithful. The system here offers many opportunities. The best thing we can do is to use them for good, to be correct and honest members of society, and to make our lives always better and better. “
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