Besides her artistic work, Kulju produces a limited series of objects made in Finland. In design, she values function and order but bases her choices on emotion and intuition. She values human contact and aims for co-operation, and is a firm believer in the power of the community. The fine artist is also a founding member of the so_helsinki collective, which crisscrosses the fields of design and art with analogue techniques, without shunning technology altogether.

“It’s important to me to sustain traditions, yet challenge the norms. The way I see art enriches my life, but at the same time, I’m worried about the state of the world around me. We are living in a very frail period in the history of humanity. The Anthropocene Epoch proves that we have impacted every corner of the planet and its ecosystems and climate. The sixth wave of extinction is underway. The underwater world is choking on plastic and pollution, and forests are burning. People are becoming alienated from nature, destroying indigenous ecosystems built over hundreds of millions of years within centuries. We have used our strength and power in the wrong way, without taking into account the frailty of the ecosystem.

Art gives me an opportunity to make a difference. Through my work, I aim to deepen my understanding of humanity and how humans connect with nature. Material and technique allow me to recognise and interpret emotions. I want to carry on exploring the relationship between nature and humanity.

I think I’m a hybrid of a curious, daydreaming artist and a rational, business-orientated designer. I get my kicks working with people in a fun, fast and efficient environment. I love sharing ideas and laughing a lot, mainly at other people’s jokes. I believe in kindness, and that communication is the key to everything. Curiosity guides me, truth is what I look for, and humour is what gets me through.”

Shop: Veera Kulju’s Work

Explore: The Index