Anne Siirtola: The Saint of Birch and the Joy of All Who Sorrow

Many of my works are reminiscent of the feeling of merging with nature experienced in childhood, when you forgot about the miniature world of the mosses and sedges of the nearby forest, which also included a world invisible to the senses. The miniature landscapes I made, such as La trompette de la mort / The Trumpet of Death and the Blueberry Tree of Life are metaphors for traveling, also for our journey back to childhood and to experientiality and presence that crosses the borders of the senses.

I combine textiles, yarn, embroidery, painting, natural materials and found objects in my works.
The materials I use are recycled, such as old clothes and textiles, some of which are related to my own personal history. Merkintöjä/Rukousnauha work started from the patched and holey socks of my late biological mother. I wanted to continue the weaving I had started and feel that I am part of the chain of my ancestors. The “pearls” of the piece are diary-like entries that show, for example, the current cycle of the year. The visitor to the exhibition can also take a “pearl” in his hand and leave a trace of his touch on it.

Materials that have been thrown away or picked from the forest show the traces of decay and change over time – processes that also occur in the human mind, body, matter and the surrounding nature. The use of recycled material is also important to me for ecological reasons.
As a central consideration in my works, human nature and its manifestation in the world come to the fore. Human responsibility for their own actions in relation to each other, other organisms and creation.

Anne Siirtola (b.1967) graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts with a master’s degree in 2004. Her works have been exhibited in numerous exhibitions in Finland and abroad. Siirtola’s works include e.g. Museum of Contemporary Art in the collections of Kiasma, HAM Helsinki Art Museum, State and Kajaani Art Museum.