Jere Vainio ^{Emerging artist}

Artist's country of origin: Finland

“Vernacular concepts are often associated with architecture and how the construction is built using materials native to the area. In my work, I explore what could be considered as the vernacular of the everyday by using easily accessible materials and studying the interaction it may have with daily life in relation to the way art is being made. During my MA studies at Uniarts Finland, and for my degree show – for which I was awarded the Anita Snellman Foundation Grant, an acquisition by Päivi & Paavo Lipponen Foundation, and works purchased by notable collectors – my art practice took a turn to merge mediums together. I work on projects separately but overlap them by creating conceptually inspired narratives. I use recycled cork as the main material for sculptures. The process of preparing the material is relatively labour-intensive and links my work to the idea of the vernacular. It also emphasises the lifecycle of the material, which began as bark as it was carved off from a cork tree and ends up as a ‘new bark’ for the sculptures that are hollow. My background as a maker of garments for theatre and fashion has given me a solid foundation for problem solving technical approaches. The architectural way of drafting patterns, cutting and stitching fabric into a garment is essentially a simple creative act, but also very precise and educational. By using techniques related to fashion and textiles I also create artworks that could potentially be used for utilitarian purposes. I find textiles to have an inherent possibility of functioning as a tool to support and bear burden physically and psychologically by giving comfort and shelter, or function as storage or as a form of architecture. I emphasise researching the materials I use to understand them better and to achieve certain end result with the techniques learned. Similar results could potentially be gained with other materials, but that could also suggest that the formalist aspect of the artwork has been seen as more influential rather than the desire to seek alternative options for economic and environmental issues. In my research for material choices and techniques I wish to enliven the process of making art with rudimentary necessities. This approach gives me freedom from not having to rely on large machinery, and has the possibility to withhold from making work that is dependant of its location. Eventually giving a democratic, nomadic and environmental approach to making art.”