Published: 29.1.2026
Text: Mayumi Niiranen-Hisatomi
Editing: Viestintätoimisto Jokiranta Oy

How did you become an artist?

That’s a difficult question, as the actual beginning of a profession like this can be hard to define. It might be considered to have begun when one simply views themselves as an artist, without any external proof or the opinion of others. My own artistic journey began in 2006, when I first arrived in Finland and began my residency in Jyväskylä. Since then, my path has led me to the Kainuu region, where I have been living and working since 2010. This region and its nature have helped me grow into the artist I am today.

What is your relationship with nature?

When I am tired and need energy, I gather strength by walking along the Kajaani River or in the nearby forest. At the same time, I observe, for example, the leaves and the surface of the water. I also collect rubbish as I go as an effort to help nature.

Living near the forest has been especially important for me, both mentally and physically. It has been the refuge where I have worked through some difficult phases in my life. I feel as if I need to be close to the forest in order to stay healthy and balanced. I hope that this forest will thrive and endure far into the future.

 

Tell us a bit about your project that the Foundation is funding.                                                                                                 

My goal is to highlight the beauty of the surrounding landscape by transferring the shapes and colours of nature onto the fabrics. The work is based on the forest of the Pöllyvaara area, which is located about a kilometre from the centre of Kajaani. I started this project at the beginning of June last year and ended at the end of September, when I collected tannin-rich leaves and colourful mushrooms from the forest.

In my studio, I produced works from the collected materials as ecologically as possible using, for example, ecoprint technique. Through my work, I wish to highlight the significance of local nature and the importance of protecting it.

The final results of the project will be presented in the BelovedFiber exhibition opening in October 2026 at Kajaani Art Museum, where we will also talk about our work. In connection with the exhibition, a workshop tour for young people will also be organised in the municipalities of Kainuu.

 

Photo: Minna Hyvönen

What has been the greatest art experience of your life?                                                                                           

When I was about 20 years old, I happened to see Jean-François Millet's exhibition in a department store-type building in Japan. As soon as I saw the first painting next to the entrance, time seemed to stop. Everything around me turned black and only his painting remained visible. For a long time, I was completely enchanted by his work – that was my greatest art experience.

Art means freedom to me.