From September’s Whirlwind to New Autumn Inspiration
The sun was shining so beautifully in Helsinki this Sunday morning that I simply had to go for a run in Central Park. The crisp air, the first truly glowing autumn colours and a rare moment without a schedule worked their magic. Somewhere along the way, I found myself stopping for a moment and thinking: what on earth has happened during this past month?
Because September has been quite a ride.
Actually, it all started already in the summer, when preparations for Habitare 26 began. Creating new work, planning, finishing pieces, organising all the practical details – and that familiar thought: There’s still plenty of time.
Until suddenly, there isn’t. 😄
At the beginning of September, it was finally time for Habitare – and once again, it certainly didn’t disappoint.
The absolute highlight of the fair was, as always, the people. It was wonderful to meet new customers and also see familiar faces from last year. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to look at my work, have a chat, ask about the techniques or simply share their thoughts.
And an especially big thank you for all the lovely comments. They give me so much new energy and encouragement to continue working with textile art.
And because things like this are definitely not done alone, there are also a couple of special people I want to thank.
Thank you, Natalia, for your enormous help with building my Habitare stand and displaying the artworks. Without you, I would have been rather lost – especially with that big piece! Having someone beside you in the middle of the rush and slight exhibition chaos, ready to jump in and help get everything into place, is absolutely priceless. ❤️
And thank you, Elisabeth, for the beautiful and thoughtful gift. I’m still looking for exactly the right spot for it, but one thing is certain: it will stay at the studio and have a special place of its own. ❤️ Little personal gestures like this stay with you for a long time.
Of course, there were also a few… shall we say, slightly more unexpected comments.
“Good luck with the path you’ve chosen.” And: “I suppose you can’t really make a living from art.” Thank you? 😄
Perhaps these comments simply come with the territory when you work in art – and textile art in particular. At least there’s never a shortage of conversation topics!
After Habitare, things didn’t exactly slow down.
I organised an open studio as well as a mini exhibition featuring my Meilahti-inspired works from Pihlajatie and Honkatie.
Despite September bringing a little more rain than I might have ordered, the response to the studio has been absolutely wonderful. It has been especially lovely to meet visitors who discovered my work through social media and, in particular, through Habitare.
The idea that someone might first see my work at a fair or online and then decide to come and visit my studio to see more feels incredibly meaningful.
And actually, today – this Sunday – is the final day of my mini exhibition. The studio doors will open again in a couple of hours, so I still have a little time to sit here, enjoy the peaceful morning and take in everything that has happened during this rather amazing month.
I have to admit that as I write this, I’m also feeling a little tired. There haven’t been many days off during the past month.
But alongside the tiredness – and perhaps much stronger than it – there is gratitude.
I get to do something I genuinely love. I get to create with my hands, experiment, design and turn images and ideas into textiles. And perhaps the most wonderful thing of all is knowing that my work can bring joy, colour and positivity into someone else’s home and everyday life.
I was recently talking with a fellow artist about how financially challenging the past couple of years have been. Making a living as an artist certainly isn’t always the most straightforward path.
But we completely agreed on one thing: how wonderful it is to be able to do something that gives so much to us – while also giving something to the people who enjoy our art.
Perhaps that is exactly why we keep doing it.
And now autumn is doing what autumn does best. The trees are changing colour, the light is shifting, and my head is filling with new ideas faster than my hands could ever possibly make them. It’s actually quite a nice problem to have. The idea bank is certainly full – now I just need someone to add a few extra days to the week.
What if you turned your own cityscape into textile art?
One of my new ideas for this autumn has been a workshop where you can create your own city, home street, favourite building or meaningful landscape as a textile piece.
So I decided to offer my tufting workshop on 10 October at a special price of €200 per person, instead of the usual €230.
You can come and create your own cityscape or architecture-inspired piece – and if you have ever wondered how I create my own textile artworks featuring buildings and urban landscapes, this is your chance to explore a similar approach yourself.
Of course, your work doesn’t have to be architectural at all. You are very welcome to bring your own idea, and I’ll help you with the design and creative process from beginning to end.
The €200 workshop fee includes all materials and supplies, personal guidance, a snack, coffee and tea – and, of course, your own finished tufted artwork to take home with you.
So perhaps this autumn, your favourite view doesn’t have to remain just another photograph on your phone.
You can make it in yarn instead. ❤️
And September still has one more surprise…
Just when it feels as though this month has already managed to squeeze at least two months’ worth of events into one, September turns out to have one more surprise up its sleeve.
At the end of the month, something very exciting is happening: I’ll be taking part in the TV programme Hetki luovuudelle! ❤️
The programme will be released in October on the Eveo online channel, and I couldn’t be more excited.
It feels wonderful to have the opportunity to talk about my work, textile art, and creativity in a completely new setting.
Even the thought of taking part in a TV programme feels exciting, slightly nerve-racking and a little surreal – in the best possible way. It is yet another opportunity and experience that I feel incredibly grateful for.
I can’t wait! ❤️
And soon, on to the next adventure…
It doesn’t look as though October will involve much sitting on the sofa watching autumn go by either. 😄
Inspired by all the wonderful encounters at Habitare, I decided to take part in this year’s Helsinki Book Fair at Messukeskus, Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre.
And no – I haven’t swapped yarn for books. 😄
You’ll find me in Hall 5, surrounded by arts, crafts and handmade creativity, so I think it’s safe to say I’ll be very much in my natural habitat.
The Food & Wine Fair will also be taking place at Messukeskus at the same time, which means a weekend filled with books, art, creativity and delicious food.
I have to say, that sounds like a pretty excellent combination – and possibly a slightly dangerous one for someone who happens to love all of the above.
After Habitare, what I’m looking forward to most is once again the very best part of these events: the encounters.
Meeting new people, seeing familiar faces, having little conversations around my artworks – and perhaps receiving another comment or two that will continue to live a life of its own long after the fair is over. 😉
But before the TV programme, the Book Fair and all the other autumn adventures ahead, there is still today.
In a couple of hours, the studio doors will open for the final day of my mini exhibition.
Until then, I think I’ll have another cup of coffee, enjoy the peace of this Sunday morning, and give myself permission to simply sit here for a little while and take it all in.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of this September. For the encounters at Habitare, the studio visits, the conversations, the helping hands, the encouragement – and yes, even those slightly more unusual comments.
What a month it has been. ❤️
And the best part?
It isn’t quite over yet.
So here’s to a colourful autumn, new ideas, new experiences, and whatever adventures come next.
I can’t wait to see what the rest of autumn will bring – and most of all, I’m looking forward to many more wonderful encounters. ❤️
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