Maria Ylikoski (Finland)
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Interview : 10 questions
1. Tell me something about your life and the educational background
I live in Helsinki. I have studied photography in Turku School of Art and Communication and in Gothenburg University. Now I am doing my MA studies in Moving Image at Art Academy in Helsinki. I have been working as a video artist since 1998.
2. When, how and why started you filming?
I started using video in 1998 when I realised that still photography was not enough for me.
3. What kind of subjects have your films?
I work with subjects like family, relationhips, identity, history, home.
4. How do you develop your films, do you follow certain principles, styles etc?
It varies from film to film. However, my background in photography shows, I think. Often my works are like moving photographs; the camera stays still and the actor “poses” for it.
5. Tell me something about the technical equipment you use.
I have used DVcam cameras until now.
6. What are the chances of new media for the genre film/video in general and you personally?
Many, with installations and internet for example.
7. How do you finance your films?
By grants.
8. Do you work individually as a video artist/film maker or do you work in a team? if you have experience in both, what is the difference, what do you prefer?
I work mostly on my own. In one project I have had a small camera crew and usually I use a person for sound and post production. I would like to work in a team but this far I have found it artistically more free and easier to work on my own. However, I do not manage everything on my own and would like to work with others more, preferably even with a production company.
9. Who or what has a lasting influence on your film/video making?
Seeing works by Eija-Liisa Ahtiala, Rineke Dijsktra, Bill Viola, Gillian Wearing, Stan Douglas…
10. What are your future plans or dreams as a film/video maker?
To continue working and to learn to write.
My works can be viewed at www.mariaylikoski.com and www.av-arkki.fi