Inspired by rocks and minerals, the surrounding architecture and history, Itkonen creates sculptural pieces that find their place both in exhibitions and interiors. The combination of earthy tones with poppy colours and different surface textures is characteristic for her creations. It’s also no coincidence that Itkonen’s pieces look so playful: She is most comfortable expressing herself when she has a playful approach to her creative process.
Itkonen has a great urge to explore – whether it’s finding new glazes, materials or techniques, her chosen medium offers her countless possibilities. ‘I see myself collaborating with the material. It’s a constant compromise especially with clay.’
© Courtesy of the artist
Which place do you currently call home and where do you work on your projects?
I’m living and working in Helsinki. I live in Käpylä, which is an old wooden house area in Helsinki and famous for its gardens and green environment. For the last eight years, my ceramics studio has been located in the centre of Helsinki, but now I have moved to an old lamp factory in the north of Helsinki, where my long-held wish for an old industrial property with high ceilings, large windows and lots of natural light has come true.
In the summer me and my husband spend all our remaning free time at our summer place. We are renovating our over 100-year-old wooden house there, unless we are canoeing and hiking in the nature.
Do you have a favourite place in your area where you like to relax and linger?
I relax outside in the nature. This is one of the reasons why I have enjoyed living in Helsinki and especially in Käpylä. Helsinki is a compact city where the sea and nature are close by.
© Visit Finland
Are there any urgent political issues or problems in your region?
Well, there are so many topics at the moment but in general I feel the most troubling feature is the growing political confrontation. Inability to discuss, compromise, listen and tolerate. I am a little worried about the future of the Nordic welfare state where the weakest have hardly been taken care of.
In your opinion, what has developed well in the last 5 years – and what has not?
The general costs of living has risen a lot, especially housing. We have more cuts and economic adjustment ahead of us, which also targets the cultural sector in particular. This is a big change from the policy of a little over a year ago and even before that.
Do you know a hidden gem when it comes to local manufacturers – whether it’s arts and crafts, sustainable products or food?
I’m excited of all local manufacturers, there’s never enough of us and I would like to highlight them all in here. But to mention one, a local furniture brand and manufacturer Made By Choice. Their form language is so lovely, colourful, bold and stylish.
© Made by Choice
Is there anything particularly innovative in your region? Also in comparison to other places you have already visited?
In the field of design and material knowledge, I think we are quite unique as our education is so strongly leading to that now and in the past. The most innovative experiments happen in the small scale production and at the grassroots level.
Do you have a secret restaurant tip that you would like to share with us?
One of my favourites is this small Korean Restaurant called Manna in the heart of Helsinki. It’s a cozy place and they make delicious bibimbap. Near by Manna is my other favourite place, Alfons Pizza. Their specialty is their own Alfons Crust which is made of wholegrain spelt and wheat and is better for your digestion. I reckon they make the best pizza in town.
© Manna
Is there a local shop whose products are only available in your region?
Yes, there are some nice stores in Helsinki although our city has experienced tough times in recent years due to the pandemic, and many shops have closed their doors. Lokal is a beautiful small gallery selling local artwork and homeware from local artists.
Artek also has a changing collection of local production in the flagship store. But the best thing is always to visit studios and sale events of artists and makers. Nowadays we have them delightfully often and one actively organizing entity is Studio Bom located in Kallio.
In Finland, many designers have started to produce their own products, and this has been a hugely encouraging thing in the field. Local small-scale production has diversified the selection and slowly changed the methods of operation.
© Studio Boom
What are your 3 favourite apps that you use every day and couldn’t live without?
I use quite a few apps and what I use is mostly work-related. I definitely use Instagram and the audiobook app Storytel the most, especially Storyteller as I’m used to listening books from fiction to non-fiction while I’m making ceramics. And if I’m not listening to books, I listen to music on Spotify.
Do you have any favourite newspapers or online magazines? And how do you keep up to date with politics or social and cultural issues?
These days there is a constant flow of information and news and it’s rather refreshing to shut yourself out from it once in a while. In creative work, a certain kind of atmosphere is sometimes disturbing, and then it is more essential how NOT to find out about political, social and cultural issues. I read and follow local news media like Helsingin Sanomat and YLE but also traditional magazines (but online versions) like Wallpaper and AD.
© www.juhakalaoja.com
Imagine you could be mayor for a year – what would you change?
I would cancel the upcoming changes regarding the iconic Suvilahti Cultural Center area. It was born at the grassroots level and has been a lively and interesting area because of it.
One last question: If you could choose another place to live – regardless of financial or time constrains – which one would you choose?
I would live in Australia because my sister is living there with her family. We are very close and I would like to live near her or at least a little closer to her. I wouldn’t mind living in a subtropical zone either.
© Courtesy of the artist
