I am at the moment working on an art project that explores the symbolic and cultural significance of the oak tree and the black-throated loon in Finnish folklore, particularly in the Häme region. Through a visual and research-based approach, I examine themes of nature, time, and memory, weaving these elements into contemporary artistic narratives.
Article for Kulttuurimedia – Culture media, about my project is translated to English here.
The Artist’s Perspective: Finnish Folklore and the Symbols of Nature
In recent years, my work as a visual artist has focused on Finnish folklore, particularly the cultural roots of the Häme region. Folklore and cultural heritage hold deep personal significance for me; growing up in Hattula, these elements were part of the everyday landscape. This connection inspired a project exploring two central figures in Finnish folklore, the great oak and the black-throated loon. Both hold a prominent place not only in Finnish tradition but also in my personal history. Their striking visual presence and symbolic meanings extend beyond Finland’s borders, making them uniquely resonant subjects in a broader cultural context.
The Great Oak: A Symbol of Continuity Across Time and Cultures
The oak holds a special place in Finnish folklore, even though it is not indigenous to the country. Its significance bridges Finnish and European traditions, linking us to a shared cultural and spiritual history. In Finland, the oak has been revered as a protector of the forest, with roots believed to connect to earth spirits and nature beings. It is a symbol of strength, life, and continuity, a powerful metaphor transcending myths and stories, just as its roots, trunk, and branches traverse the dimensions of time, space, life, and death.
In my work, the oak is more than a physical tree; it represents a layered force shaped by time and environment. I aim to visualize this presence, portraying the oak as a living, sensing, and memory-bearing entity. Its profound connection to the earth, combined with its towering presence, speaks to permanence and rootedness while also offering a lens through which to explore transformation and resilience.
The Black-Throated Diver: A Messenger Between Worlds
The black-throated loon is an iconic bird in Finnish culture, its hauntingly melancholic call echoing across Finland’s lakes. The diver’s ability to move seamlessly between water, air, and land embodies the symbolic journey between the upper and lower realms, carrying messages across dimensions.
Both the oak and the diver are said to traverse the three-tiered world of folklore, connecting the heavens, the earth, and the underworld. They are seen as carriers of messages, life energy, and forces, both benevolent and malevolent, between these realms. In my artistic exploration, these qualities are central to understanding how nature and time interact and how this interplay shapes our perception of history and memory.
The Interplay of Symbols in Art
In Häme, the oak and the black-throated loon are imbued with distinct symbolic significance. Set against the lush forests and tranquil lakes of the region, these species reflect the richness of biodiversity and cultural heritage. However, their meanings shift depending on how they are juxtaposed with each other and placed in relation to time. My work examines the tension and connection between these species, their relationship with humanity, and their ties to memory, landscape, and time.
The Oak and the Diver in the Häme Landscape
In the Hämeenlinna region, the oak represents both natural biodiversity and a message of historical layering. Although not a native species, the oak has been planted in Häme’s groves and parklands, becoming deeply rooted in the region’s landscape and cultural memory. For instance, the ancient oaks of Aulanko Park are part of a heritage of landscape architecture, their timeless presence echoing the sacred oaks of folklore. The oak’s lifecycle, from acorn to a towering ”tree of life,” mirrors myths like that of the phoenix, symbolizing rebirth and continuity.
Meanwhile, the loon´s call has reverberated across Häme’s lakes, symbolizing movement and change. As a species significant to the cultural values of Häme, it evokes reflections on time, memory, and transformation. Its ability to navigate between different elements offers a metaphor for the delicate balance of life and the interconnectedness of time and nature. Through visual exploration, I aim to highlight the diver’s role, transcending its physical existence to delve into its mythological and cultural dimensions.
Sustaining Nature and Culture
My work embraces an ecological and creative perspective, emphasizing the oak and the diver as both guardians of tradition and protectors of the environment. Hämeenlinna’s location by the water underscores the importance of conservation as part of the region’s identity and aspirations for a sustainable future. The loons’s call echoing across Lake Vanajavesi challenges us to consider how we can ensure that Häme’s lakes remain vibrant and clean for future generations.
Through my art, I seek to celebrate the continuity of nature and culture. The oak and the diver are enduring symbols that inspire sustainable development and foster a sense of shared responsibility.
The Great Oak and the Black-Throated Loon: Pillars of Finnish Identity
Together, the oak and the diver, the world tree and the bird of life, represent not only Häme’s local identity but also broader Finnish cultural consciousness. They symbolize the region’s unique place in Finland’s landscape and history. Häme has long been a crossroads where people, cultures, and natural elements have met over centuries.
The oak speaks of permanence and rootedness, while the diver reminds us of movement and transformation. My artistic work reflects the living role of these symbols, which are not merely relics of the past but vibrant parts of our present and future. By exploring their depths, I aim to connect with their timeless significance and share their story with a contemporary audience.