Local Artist
Written by Karla Ely - Pahrump, NV
Over the years many talented and creative people have found their way to our little desert town, and many of them eventually decide to make Pahrump their home. This month's "In The Spotlight" features one of our very talented and successful residents, world renowned stone sculptor, "Eino".
Eino and his wife, Karla have lived here since 2004. They came to Pahrump specifically because of the freedom it offers it's residents.
Eino, a professional stone sculptor for over 45 years was born in Finland, and emigrated to the U.S. in 1962. Though he spoke very little English at the time, he successfully completed his studies in sculpture at Santa Monica City College.
Having lived in Santa Monica California for nearly thirty years, Eino’s work is well-known in the area. Living and working in close proximity to Hollywood allowed him to rub shoulders with many celebrities including Kris Kristofferson, Martin Sheen, and Wolfgang Puck.
Even though he was considered part of the “in crowd”, superficial fame never appealed to him. Eino's life path was as an artist. The most important thing was to bring into reality the multitude of designs that filled his mind.
Continually challenging himself as an artist and designer has always been the motivation to rise early and “get going on a new day”. After his morning run, Eino is in his studio early. Even at the “young” age of 70, the sculptor still spends at least five hours each day in his studio, coaxing the stone into form. Living in Nevada has required a few concessions; because of the intense summer heat, the artist finds that he must take a four hour break in the afternoons. During this time he works on sketches for new pieces, or spends his time doing oil paintings.
Nearing sundown, Eino will be back in his carving studio, enjoying the brilliant desert sunsets as he creates yet another masterpiece of his own.
The ability to work at any hour of the day is one of the reasons that the artist chose to make Pahrump his home. The wide open spaces and philosophy of “you do your thing and I’ll do mine” were very appealing to both Eino and his wife. Being avid runners, they find the desert expanses most welcoming for running, with flat ground, clean air, and only an occasional rattlesnake.
The unrestricted nature and natural beauty of the area has filtered into the artist’s latest works – “Lazuline”, completed two years ago, is a sculpture carved from blue Brazilian Quartz and resembles a live agave plant.
“Venus of Las Vegas” is a feminine form in pink Etowah marble, carved with an open style.
Looking immediately out of his studio, the Spring Mountains loom in the distance, with Mt. Charleston as their chief. This singular landscape provides unlimited inspiration for the artist as he ponders where his chisel will next lead him.
When asked what his next piece will be, Eino enthusiastically replies “I have 20 more years of sculptures waiting inside my head – I can’t decide who is next… the stone will tell me, as it always has”.
- Learn more about Eino and his work by visiting his website.
- Karla Ely is an artist and Pahrump resident. You can reach Karla through her website.