Archie Hayes 
Raija Jokinen, an artist from Finland, exhibits her profound connection with nature through her intricate artwork. These masterpieces encapsulate the subtle yet profound elements of botanical patterns and human anatomy. Drawing a vivid parallel between the complexities of life and the beauty of nature, she weaves elaborate compositions that resemble sprawling networks of roots or veins, interspersed with floral embellishments and dense textures, often protruding from an arm or torso of a human figure.
Through her art, Jokinen intends to bridge the gap between the tangible and the intangible. Her aim is not merely to create visually appealing sculptures but to instill a deeper understanding of the complex layers of human experiences – the emotional, the psychological, and the physical. She believes that her artwork serves as a reflection of the shared feelings, everyday situations, and thoughts that are part of the human condition.
The creation of these intricate artworks employs a unique blend of traditional craftsmanship and innovative techniques. Jokinen uses flax as her primary medium, a choice reminiscent of the material used in the art of handmade paper crafting. This natural fiber is dyed and carefully shaped into an array of organic forms, such as branches, twigs, and other elements found in nature.
The inclusion of intricate floral patterns and structural details is made possible by machine stitching. Not only does this add aesthetic value to the artwork, but it also enhances the durability of the flax, a material that is otherwise quite delicate. Jokinen explains her techniques as the enablers to bring her artistic visions to life. She speaks of her ability to fashion “free forms” and “transparent structures,” creations that cast strong shadows on the walls and permeate the space around them, adding a sense of depth and dimension.
In addition to the above, it’s also important to understand the significance of flax in Jokinen’s work. Flax, a natural resource that has been cultivated for thousands of years, has a rich cultural and historical background. Not only has it been used for making linen and oil, but it also played a significant role in folklore and symbolism, often symbolizing fate and destiny. Jokinen’s use of this material, thus, not only speaks to her commitment to natural materials but also ties her work to a long historical and symbolic tradition.
Jokinen’s creative process is a labor of love, patience, and skill. By using a technique similar to making handmade paper, she dyes and molds the flax into various organic forms. Then she strengthens these forms through machine stitching, a technique that also allows her to add floral and structural details to her works. Through this laborious process, she creates intricate pieces that not only depict the beauty of nature and human anatomy but also evoke deeper thoughts and feelings.
Raija Jokinen’s work is a testament to the power of art to blend the physical with the mental, the natural with the human. Each piece is a mirror reflecting our shared experiences, feelings, and thoughts, echoing our inseparable connection with the natural world. Her works are not just visually stunning, but they also serve as a medium for expressing universal human experiences in a tangible form. So, delve into her artistic world by checking her website or Instagram to witness how she merges the intricacies of human experiences with the beauty of nature.
