Helsingissä Keksittyä

By coincidence, I found two books last week that use the natural grain of wood to create illustrations, the examples here are from 'Made up In Helsinki' Helsingissä Keksittyä. I'm sorry I have been unable to find any links to the artist.

Lotta-Pia Kallio

Above: Bug Dress, Below: Dear WilliamLotta-Pia Kallio " I am interested in small stories and traces left by different events. My favourite materials and media are textile, photographs and video. I also make art of used objects, reassemble pieces into new stories and realities. My works often reflect the past: I try to catch the time passing by, understand the events around me, rewind and play in slow motion."

Lemgroup

Lemgroup is an innovative group of young Finnish ceramicists who formed a collaborative group in a petrol station. Both individually and as a group these artists' Saara Kaatra, Lotta Veromaa and Laura Itkonen produce some fantastic and exceptional works.

Howard Smith

Above: Hector 2002 image Galerie Besson

Above: Face 2002 Galerie BessonAbove: Windy 2003
I love the humour and simplicity of Howard Smith's work that tumbles through media like a hungry wolf. Howard Smith lives in Fiskars Finland, he is extremely versatile having worked as an artist and designer in almost every medium that you can think of. Have a look at his work there are great collections of it on flickr, there is also an illustrated biography available published by LIKE publishers.