Siina Levonoja

Ceramicist

©Tommi Teronen

In tune with nature

Siina's inspirations include underwater life and coral reefs
Spending a year at LUCA School of Arts in Belgium was an important step
She prepares her glazes from raw ingredients

Siina Levonoja was born in the countryside and grew up on a farm where she had daily contact with animals. In was inevitable that her work would often deal with nature, animals and the shared habitats of humans and other animals. Her interest in 'other beings' and her tendency to emphasise the non-human world also influenced her choice of studies, which began at Häme University of Applied Sciences. Experimenting with raw materials led her to develop her own glazes and techniques. Later on, her MA thesis at Aalto University discussed interspecies art and post-humanist human-animal theories. Theoretical studies have also nurtured her ceramic practice and artistic work, which usually consists of fired and coloured clay.

Interview

©Tommi Teronen

©Tommi Teronen

What are your specialisations?: I’m fond of raw materials, but don’t hesitate to use other mediums – like painting a sculpture with acrylic spray. My works are often based on hand building and the coiling technique. I also like the presence of tension and chance in wood firing, and it’s a joy to play with slip casting.
Why did you choose this career?: At my parents’ farm I often played in my dad’s workshop where he built and repaired machines. I enjoyed the physical work and creating things through woodwork and sewing. During a ceramic course at my folk school I realised I could play with clay all my life, so I applied to study ceramics.
What do you love most about your profession?: Clay – it adapts endlessly into various forms, it is easy, natural and exists everywhere. I also love that I can use my whole body, not just my brain. And the work has various phases. Projects start and end and I’m not stuck with one task too long. Days are different.
Where do you find inspiration?: I need time in the countryside to breathe air that comes through the forest, and I sleep without the city lights, traffic sounds or the humming of electricity. I teach ceramics at the local community college and that is very inspiring – and I learn as well.

Siina Levonoja is a rising star: she began her career in 2016 and she started teaching in 2018