Antrei Hartikainen
Wood sculptor
Pohjankuru, Finland
Recommended by Suvi Saloniemi
All about carving
- Antrei celebrates the structural and natural features of wood in his pieces
- His inspiration comes from shapes and surfaces moulded by man and nature
- He has won multiple awards across Europe for his contribution to Finnish design
Antrei Hartikainen's work is a balancing act between designing and making installations and sculptures. He also develops a wide range of products from wood, blurring the line between nature and technology, art and design, handcrafting and industrial manufacturing. After craft studies in wood at North Karelia professional colleges, and master cabinetmaker studies at Salpaus further education, Antrei worked for Nikari Oy from 2010 until 2016. In 2017, he opened his own studio with the support of the Finnish Cultural Foundation and was named Young Designer of the Year in Finland in 2018. Shortlisted for the Dezeen Awards Emerging Designer of the Year in 2019, he was awarded Rising Star of the Year 2023 at Scandinavian Design Awards, and Rising Talent Awards 2024 at Maison&Objet in Paris. Didrichsen Art Museum recognised his work with the Pro Arte Award in 2025. Antrei has shown his works in numerous solo and group exhibitions around the world.
INTERVIEW
It begins with observation. I want to transfer the vulnerability, frailty and beauty of nature into my material by highlighting structural and aesthetic features. The form and dimensions of my work come from examining landscapes moulded by man, the climate and nature.
I combine traditional woodworking and modern manufacturing with contemporary design. In the combination of art and design, function comes out in a new light or context. I use my material – wood – in an innovative way, pushing its boundaries.
Developing and creating things – one of a kind, a limited edition or serial production. The process and the materials excite me. Hand carving is the best way to design smaller products and objects. It feels great when it's in your own hands to find the limits of the material.
In my youth I was always drawing, painting, carving and knitting. My father had a kitchen/woodworking company where I made small works for myself as a hobby, and as his little helper. Later, I had summer jobs there. That led me to vocational school and woodworking studies.
Antrei Hartikainen
Wood sculptor
Pohjankuru, Finland
Recommended by Suvi Saloniemi
AVAILABILITY
By appointment only
PHONE
+358 504021065
LANGUAGES
Finnish, English
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