Henriikka Leppänen

Kerafiikka

Ceramicist

©Jyri Keronen

©Henriikka Leppanen

©Jyri Keronen

©Ville Lehvonen

©Henriikka Leppanen

Handcrafting with a love of nature

Henriikka's practice of ceramics is anchored in North Karelia, an area of Finland
She makes traditional items with a modern twist
Her studio set-up is powered by renewable energy

For Henriikka Leppänen creating is a way of existing and a means to accepting herself for who she is. With nature as an inspiration, she uses local natural materials such as ashes and clay to make sustainable, practical and often multifunctional pottery where tradition and modernity meet. For Henriikka, perfection is not an end in itself, neither in life nor in pottery. She sees beauty also in the unpolished and is not afraid to let it show. After studies in Finland and internships in Vancouver and London she founded her own business and studio Kerafiikka in 2015. At first, she produced ceramic graphics, printing images on clay surfaces using graphic methods. Lately, she has been inspired by wheel throwing and making tableware and home decor.

Interview

©Jyri Keronen

©Ville Lehvonen

Why did you choose this craft?: Since I was a child, I have liked being in nature, playing in the mud and exploring my surroundings. Clay is very expressive and handling it is therapeutic. I feel better when I explore, create and work with my hands, learning through trial and error.
How is your craft linked to Finland?: I use local natural materials such as ashes from my wood stove and clay from fields, lake shores, and building sites. Working with wild clay has deepened my bond with my roots. What you get is not just handmade pottery, but also a piece of Finland.
How do you express tradition and innovation?: My products are traditional with a modern twist. The most innovative part of my work might be its sustainability. I single fire my pieces to minimise energy consumption, use solar electricity, and my studio, house and water are heated with geothermal energy.
Could your craft be considered in danger?: I do not think that the appreciation for handcrafted ceramics is on its way out or is in danger. Actually, quite the contrary. As technology increasingly fills our lives, craftsmanship and natural materials become even more important.

Henriikka Leppänen is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2008