I grew up in Finland, but currently live in the state of Michigan in the US. Since a very young age I have been interested in the spiritual side of human nature as well as in the arts.
After getting a degree in education, I studied art at the University of Arts and Design, Helsinki, Finland (1978-79) and at the Art Students' League of New York, NYC (1979-83). I was fortunate to be able to study with such great teachers as Gustav Rehberger (drawing), Richard Goetz (painting), and Seong Moy (print making).
My spiritual journey and personal spiritual experiences are the inspiration for my art. I like to explore one's relationship with the Divine, God, Ultimate Reality, whatever one choses to call it.
I have participated in numerous exhibitions and my artwork is in several private collections.
A review in the December 18, 1994 Ann Arbor News of the Clare Spitler exhibition,
"Then or Now", said:
"Laila Kujala's oil painting "Guardian of Growth", contributes the most
spiritual bent to this annual seasonal display. The painting depicts a kneeling
angel lovingly holding a glowing rose, but mere words alone cannot describe the angel's
beatific grace.
The incandescent sheen of the flower in this artwork suggests what is "Then or Now" - or now and then
- is ultimately of no consequence. What matters is what we hold most dear
to our hearts. And Kujala, like her angel, wears her heart on her sleeve."