This installation is made out of woven and felted wool pieces, where all the wool and yarn are dyed with natural pigments - plants, flowers and mushrooms. Natural dyeing is a cultural heritage, part of Finnish tradition and craft culture, but using these ancient practices is also my way of providing a cultural perspective on our planet’s mass extinction and crisis. Natural dyes are non-toxic dyes and more environmentally friendly. Natural dyes are more than just handicraft, it’s a beautiful way to get to know plants and mushrooms. It’s a way to learn their properties, where they grow and their ecology. We already have different alternative techniques for a more ecological and self-sufficient way of living, where we could harvest resources without disturbing delicate ecosystems. There is still hope. 

I’m strongly inspired by mythology, folklore and nature. I’ve written my master’s thesis on storytelling and through my work as a weaver I’ve felt very involved with the threads of life and how we all are interwoven and entangled. I see myths as untrue stories that deliver truths. Stories can also work as mythological acupuncture; they pinch us right where we need them.

Today we live a life where most people do not even consider themselves as part of nature. We have lost our connection not only to others and our surroundings, but to ourselves. My attempt is to awaken curiosity from within. In past societies the philosophers of the day would sometimes live as old sages in caves, and people would journey to them for guidance. They were also known as people who work with dreams.

The work for this exhibit was partially supported by Suomen Kulttuurirahasto ja Svenska kulturfonden