Eva Spoof

UDUMBARA

Ceramicist

©Eva Spoof

©Quang Tran Huy

©Kivistö Nelli

©Quang Tran Huy

Ethical designs

Eva masters the wheel throwing technique
Her pieces follow geometrical forms
She is inspired by Asian ceramics

Eva Spoof started her ceramic studio immediately after her studies at Kuopio School of Art and Design in 1990. In the heart of Kallio, she began by creating kitchenware with imported stoneware clay, and later her works expanded to then include lamps, sculptures and flowerpots made out of local clay. Eva’s ceramic works are unique towers of geometrical forms that come in various sizes. She uses local materials and teaches others how to embrace an ecological footprint through her workshops. Her work is inspired by architecture, the material itself, Asian ceramic traditions and her father. Eva's works have travelled across the world and she was named the artisan of Helsinki in 2006 by TAITO in southern Finland. Eva strongly believes now is the time for ethical luxury that brings emotional value to décor.

Interview

©Kivistö Nelli

©Arttu Talvitie

When did you choose to pick up this craft?: When I was a child, I had the opportunity to visit the Arabia factory multiple times, and once there was an artisan called Kauko Rajala. He asked me what I would like him to create on his pottery wheel and I said a bottle. Watching him, I knew this was exactly what I wanted to do when I grew up.
How is your craft linked to your region?: All my products: tea bowls, lamps, sculptures and flowerpots are handmade out of the local earthware clay from Kutela village in Somero, southwest Finland. This clay gives the products a wonderfully unique and iron-rich earthy character.
What was the first object you made?: I started during the Finnish economic recession in the 90s, not knowing how to survive as an artisan, and so I decided to find out what people genuinely needed. Visiting a vegetarian restaurant, I discovered that they needed a fermenting pot. So, the first object I designed was a sauerkraut fermenting pot.
What has been a memorable moment as an artisan?: When I was working in Yixing, I was asked to demonstrate my wheel throwing skills, as I believe the locals weren't used to seeing a woman using such a technique. The Chinese men were astonished and the local women laughed at the men.

Eva Spoof is a master artisan: she began her career in 1990 and she started teaching in 1990