Arctic vs Subtropical Nature
A textile art project that looks at the opposites of natural surroundings. I am a Finn living in California and I got inspired by the drastic difference in these two climates areas. This series of three wall-hangings "Californian Wild", "Arctic Howl" and "Climatic Fusion" compares the flora and fauna of Finland and California. It focuses on the Arctic Finnish nature in Lapland (the most northern region in Finland) and the desert climate areas such as Death Valley in California. When in subarctic climate the weather is fairly cold around the year with its specific plants that have adapted to it, in subtropical climate the animals and flowers have had to adjust to the heat and dryness of desert. The idea is to handle the theme with an experimental approach to textile and surface design, combining different techniques such as machine (and hand) embroidery and digital printing. Visually the depiction of the theme is combination of abstract and representational appearance. It stimulates visually and expresses the core feelings and impressions the theme awakens. The series of textile artworks is vibrant, colorful and detailed, and offer the sense of texture and atmosphere of arctic and subtropical nature. Designs are printed with Mimaki printer on cotton fabric and embroidered on top. "Californian Wild" was a part of the "Persistence" exhibition at the Museum of Northern California Art during summer 2018.