Heidi Aulikki Puumalainen

Ceramicist

©Tanja Ahjopalo

©Jenni Ahonen

©Heidi Aulikki

Thinking with her hands

Heidi derives inspiration from organic shapes
Sometimes she takes on apprentices to work with her
She loves to pick mushrooms in the forest

Heidi Aulikki Puumalainen says she did not discover clay. It was the other way around – clay found her. But making the big decision to concentrate on ceramics required trips and studies in three continents. It all started as a hobby in America where she stayed for a year in 1997. Her studies commenced at Forssa Vocational Institute in Finland and continued in 2001 at the University of Art and Design in Helsinki and as an exchange student at the Musashino Art University in Tokyo. After graduating in 2009 it took her a while to find a direction. A turning point came in Beijing, where she spent the year 2013. Other jobs went out the window and she started her own business in the heart of Helsinki four years later.

Interview

©Tanja Ahjopalo

©Tanja Ahjopalo

How would you define what you do?: I use traditional techniques to make modern objects, functional ceramics and unique art. It is important that they are made by me, that the aspect of craft is visible. Still, they have to be functional, well made and exquisite. I use innovative materials like local clay or stone powder.
Can you relate a memorable moment in your professional life?: After starting my business I broke my wrist badly. I thought I would never be able to work. But instead of getting depressed I decided to continue somehow. I did what I could and got help from friends and family. After surgery my hand is now almost as good as before. Never give up!
Do you master any specific techniques?: Throwing is my technique. Every movement of your body makes its mark. It is like thinking with your hands. Ideas and prototypes are born on the spot. After mastering symmetrical objects I turned to making asymmetric organic shapes, as thin as possible. I also deploy a Japanese technique, Nerikomi.
Do you remember when you first decided to take up this craft?: Clay chose me! Already as a child I had a strong interest in it. I knew where to find it near our home. After my time in America, where my teacher was Janet Buskirk, it was obvious I wanted to study ceramics and become a professional. It is about continuous learning, so the interest stays and grows.

Heidi Aulikki Puumalainen is a master artisan: she began her career in 1997 and she started teaching in 2015