Veera Kulju

Ceramicist

©Chikako Harada

©Ilkka Kärkkäinen

Communicating through ceramics

Veera uses ancient materials and real popcorn
She explores the balance between order and chaos
She is inspired by human nature and nature

Veera Kulju loves fairy tales, myths and the imaginary. For her they are a gateway to cosmic perspectives, empathy and identity. Her work is an attempt to understand human nature. She has an MA in Applied Arts and Design, but becoming an artisan was an organic process. She learned practical skills growing up. When she needed woollen socks, the answer was to knit a pair. Her work brings together history and modernity, incorporating many mediums from clay to videos and everything in between, even popcorn. Her experimental style is a way of questioning and seeking new approaches both in material and in immaterial realms. Her curiosity has taken her to new places, between a feeling and a reason. The result is poetic objects , pieces of design and art.

Interview

©Ilkka Kärkkäinen

©Ilkka Kärkkäinen

How would you define what you do?: I’m an interpreter and a communicator. Techniques go through me and form objects. My aim is to question, to experience feelings and to understand the fragility of nature and our belonging in the universe. My materials are clay and textiles, I also use videos.
Why did you choose this craft and career?: Emotionally, I was always drawn to touching things. The feel of materials is grounding for me. It’s therapeutic and gives me a place in this world. It is a way to understand myself, others and the world. A way of speaking and thinking by creating.
Which techniques do you master?: I use basic weaving techniques with textiles. With clay, I use hand modelling and casting with moulds. By pushing the limits, I’m trying to find something new. But understanding the material gives me structure. I don’t feel like a master, more like a beginner.
What is your creative background?: I fell in love with clay when I was about 10. I’m not from an artistic or cultural home. Becoming an artist wasn’t obvious. First I studied weaving, then I continued with a BA in experimental design and finalised my studies with MA in Applied Arts and Design.

Veera Kulju is a rising star: she began her career in 2017