Koirat, 2nd generation (2022-)
This series of porcelain dogs is cast from an original hand-built model.
Each dog has its own character, with unique colors, facial expressions, and fur markings. They are cast, glazed, and fired in our home pottery studio in Vantaa, then carefully hand-painted with love. Every dog stands about 9 cm tall. Some of the dogs are still available for purchase, please contact me to see which ones are looking for a home. ♡This series of porcelain dogs is cast from an original hand-built model.
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Koirat, 1st generation (2019)
Koirat, 1st generation (2019)
A series of ceramic dog figurines, hand-built from porcelain clay. The figurines vary in size between 3 and 10 cm.
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Koirani ja minä / Me and my dog (2016)
Ever since I got my first Japanese kokeshi doll in 2015, I have been fascinated by its wooden warmth, the shape and the unique style of painting. Kokeshi dolls vary across the different regions of Japan and the dolls have inspired many interpretations made by contemporary artists. Eventually I became interested about idea of trying to create my own version of kokeshi and designed a set of two dolls.
Although my painting style differs significantly from the original kokeshi, I hoped to attain an impression of demureness, innocence and cuteness – expressions often used for describing traditional kokeshi dolls. I wanted to combine that with playful, bright and fresh colours.
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Hariko-karhu / the hariko bear (2018)
The head-bobbing Hariko-Karhu is a re-interpretation of a traditional Japanese craft form called akabeko, given a Finnish touch.
Hariko-Karhu was created in collaboration with Johannes Kaarakainen. Our interest in this craft was first sparked in 2015, when we met a local hariko artisan in Kyoto, Japan, and again during the summer of 2018. The simple yet charming and distinctive style of these characters captivated us both. Conversations with the artisan deepened our fascination with this particular form of folk art.
Hariko-Karhu was created in collaboration with Johannes Kaarakainen. Our interest in this craft was first sparked in 2015, when we met a local hariko artisan in Kyoto, Japan, and again during the summer of 2018. The simple yet charming and distinctive style of these characters captivated us both. Conversations with the artisan deepened our fascination with this particular form of folk art.
Many Japanese hariko designs depict local animals or characters from old folktales. We chose the brown bear as our motif because it is a familiar figure in Finnish folklore. The bear is also Finland’s national animal, once regarded as both a deity and a forefather by ancient Finns.
The original shape and mould for Hariko-Karhu were made by Johannes, while I designed and painted the bears. My aim was to bring some of the characteristic warmth and charm of hariko crafts into the decoration.
