Resin paintings by TV host Gogi went viral on social media— “We’ll see if my very first piece becomes valuable one day”

What inspired you to start creating art?

My visual side is a big part me. My father paints, and my mother has a master’s degree in printed textiles from art museum Ateneum. My Greek roots on my father’s side made me fall in love with rustic, imperfect aesthetics. My mother, on the other hand, has always repaired broken items. During my childhood, we visited flea markets together and would spruce up a trunk table, among other things.

When I finished acting in “Salatut elämät”, I studied 3D modeling in England and fell in love with creating worlds. I started working with casting resin. Now I have a workspace and a 3D printer, which I use to make items for my goddaughter’s dollhouse and more. I’ve made a toilet, a TV stand with an interchangeable picture, and an oven. Next, I’ll make a washing machine with a spinning drum.

Gogi has had a workspace for a couple of years. His dream workspace was originally intended for retirement. “Sometimes I come here in the evenings after putting my child to bed,” Gogi says.

The TV stand with an interchangeable image found its way into his goddaughter’s dollhouse.

What is it like to use a 3D printer?

It’s amazing that I can model something on a computer and then hold it in my hand later. The printer cost 700 euros, and a spool of plastic costs 25 euros and lasts forever.

Printing a dollhouse door can take about an hour and a half, but sometimes the printer runs overnight. It can also be used to create prototypes. Once, I tried making a can shaped like a flask. I’ve also made tools and stencils for crafts.

Gogi finds his resin-painted tropical islands beautiful. He has also created many beach scenes. In June of 2025, Gogi’s work will be on display in the Kaken Kehys storefront in Helsinki.

Gogi learned the technique for making beach scenes through trial and error. “You need just the right strength of hot-air blower for the resin to spread beautifully.”

Where do you get ideas for your art?

My wife and I visited a gallery on a trip to Florida, where I was captivated by beach scenes made by casting resin. I asked about the technique and started experimenting at home. It took two years before I managed to create a beach scene I liked. Now I’m inspired by weathered Spanish and Italian facades, and I’ve been making small-scale models with mixed techniques.

Which of your pieces are you most proud of?

My latest facade turned out really great! I haven’t been making resin paintings lately, even though they’re popular on social media. I have only one original resin piece at home that I was happy with.

I’ve done a few commissioned pieces and given some away as gifts. I sold my first piece for a hundred euros and labeled it piece 001—who knows, maybe it’ll be valuable one day.

In Gogi’s childhood home, art in various forms was cherished. “Combining different techniques comes naturally to me because I’ve learned how different materials work ever since I was little,” Gogi says.

His latest passion is creating facades that combine 3D prints, filler, and resin.