Lokal: “What are some important principles in how you approach your work?”

Saija Halko: “I like to make my products personally, in this way I can give attention to small details and focus on the feeling of the object. This also means that I am not that interested in large volumes, but instead small scale production. Handmaking the objects brings a freedom to the design process and gives more versatility for the material choices, which I like to take advantage of. I hope my products will not remain decorative objects, but will be used in everyday life, because the use and touch of the objects brings out the holistic beauty.”

Lokal: “What are some of the things that inspire your designs?”

Saija Halko: “I find old, handmade, museum objects inspiring because of their humane and sympathetic looks. I would like to express a similar feeling in my works. I am also constantly inspired by moods, colours, lights and shadows around me, in nature and in urban environments.”

Lokal: “What brought you to working with ceramics? How has that relationship changed over the years?”

Saija Halko: “The reason I got excited about ceramics was largely based on the ability to work by hand. As a material, clay is very mundane, it is easily approachable and it can be used for everything from everyday tableware to art. Making ceramics gives the possibility to combine my interests in different fields; design, art and crafts. During the past years, I have started to appreciate the versatility of ceramics even more and would like to focus in the future on making one-of-a-kind pieces in addition to my small scale production.”

Lokal: “Can you tell us a little bit about your pieces in the Lokal Kollektion? ”

Saija Halko: “The Lokki jug was inspired by Helsinki and its summer. It was part of Lokal’s exhibition Helsinki Tones. I love the first sound of birds during the spring, and the sound of a seagull (lokki, in Finnish) has a strong association to summer. The design became quite playful due to the size and shape of the handle combined with the bird-shaped jug.

The Silmu vase was made for Lokal during the spring of 2022. Together with Lokal, we wanted to make a functional flower vase that can hold various flower bouquets, has a quiet design, and a reference to spring. “

Shop: Saija Halko’s Work

Explore: Lokal Creators