Comic in March: Tehri Addler

Terhi Adler is a magical name. Okay, she didn’t actually say that in her interview but once you learn a bit more about her it is easy to come to that conclusion. Speaking of magic, Terhi is very interested in witchcraft and you can see this theme in her work. Do you know what? The best thing is to read for yourself and find out what moves the talented Finnish illustrator. Here goes.

My name is Terhi and that is some sort of plant, although I have never seen it. Another meaning is «mist» or «fog», but the word is not used anymore. I know of it because in the Finnish mythology there is a creature called Terhenneito, «Lady of the mist».

I have provided you a scattered selection of drawings and artwork throughout the years. Some of them are from my zines or illustration projects, some are stills from animations, and also one picture is of my 3-dimensional comics character Girl.

Do you have a favourite image?
This is silly but I really like the pink elephant with the listening (human) ear. I actually have a collection of 3 pink porcelain elephants at home that served as inspiration.

What did you want to be when you were a child?
I don’t think I had anything long-term, but I remember writing into a friendship book (ever had those?) that I would either like to be a singer or the owner of a cat hotel.

Do you have a favorite color?

Black and light pink for sure. Now also yellow and lilac.

What themes / topics are close to your heart and important for your work?
I write about relationships and awkward moments. Mental health issues, environmentalism and feminism are important for me. It’s important to tell stories from perspectives that are not yet well-represented. I am interested in the overlooked. Currently a lot of my work deals with so-called “witchcraft”: healing herbs, folklore, female power, folkart such as textile art, and so on…

Where and how did you grow up?
I grew up in a small village called Purola. It is only 40 km from Helsinki, but it’s total countryside. I loved it, playing in the forests as a kid. But growing up I also enjoyed the train that used to stop at our station so I could get out of there!

Cats, always. Friendship and love. The comings Spring and all it’s adventures!

Why are illustrations/comics/cartoon special and what can they do that other media can’t? 

Comics are great because they are combining two things that I love: text & image. And we actually read them simultaneously, not separately; it’s called «the language of comics», look it up! :)

Is there something that a lot of people don’t know about you?

I won bronze in our elementary school’s cross-country skiing competition on third grade.