Maari

My name is Maarit Mattanen and I work as a ceramic artist in Sodankylä, Finland.

I have always been interested in arts&crafts and in different materials. In the middle of 90’s I took lessons in several handcraft-courses. I got to explore wood, reindeer antler, leather, stone and clay. I was fascinated by all of them in turn, but then I discovered Raku ceramic and was amazed by the technique. Inspired by the courses I found my dream job and I decided to set up my own business, Maari, in 2001.

Clay and especially the Raku technique inspire me continuously to create something new. In Raku ceramics I
am fascinated by the roughness and the unpredictability of the material that allows me an unlimited world of possibilities as an artist. I can choose the color of the glaze, but the final crackles and tones come by, what I call, The Great Coincidence. Every piece is one-of-a-kind and just as unique as the elements of nature. The incredible colors, shapes and materials of Lapland’s nature are my greatest inspiration.

The designs reflect my love of nature