Anna-Kaisa Haanaho

Ceramicist

©Jussi Vauramo

©Ole Akhøj

©Jussi Vauramo

Testing the limits of clay

Anna-Kaisa makes functional pieces, installations and sculptures
She is inspired by nature, everyday objects and experimentation
She has spent time gathering clay in Japan

Anna-Kaisa Haanaho trained in glass and ceramics at university in Finland and started her own studio right after graduation in 2016 – or maybe we should call it a laboratory, since what she loves to do is to experiment and test her chosen material, clay. Sometimes it even means throwing it against the wall. To her, working equals constant learning and development. In practice, she deploys ancient methods and traditional tools to give the material of clay an experimental and modern touch.

Interview

©Jussi Vauramo

©Jussi Vauramo

What do you love most about your profession?: The decorating. I also love the physical side of the process, and the element of surprise that is present within the material when it is tested. It's like searching for and finding a path in life. Sometimes I experiment and create shapes by simply throwing clay at the wall.
Has any particular moment been especially memorable?: Participating in artist residencies and cooperating with other artists has been really enjoyable. Last year I went to the Shimane region in the Japanese countryside. The mountains were full of clay and I had the chance to collect some of it myself to experiment with.
When did you first think of pursuing ceramics as a career?: My first memories of working with clay are from high school. Still searching for my material, I went to study glass and ceramics design at university. Then ceramics chose me, due to the endless possibilities it offers to learn new things and develop myself.
What techniques do you specialise in?: Working with coloured clays, hand building, making plaster moulds and slip casting. I enjoy material testing and often deploy experimental techniques to test the limits of the material. I combine the use of ancient tools and techniques with a modern and experimental touch.

Anna-Kaisa Haanaho is a rising star: she began her career in 2016 and she started teaching in 2018