Clay as a material is filled with energy that has travelled through ice ages
and gains its final form in the heat of the kiln.
ABOUT
I´m Henriikka Leppänen, ceramics designer and maker from Norh Karelia, Finland.
Clay inspires me and I get ideas by observing and feeling its qualities. Clay as a material is filled with energy that has travelled through ice ages and gains its final form in the heat of the kiln.
My relationship with nature is strong; nature helps me relax and distances me from everyday life whilst it also gives me new ideas and inspirations. I get inspired by the creatures and bugs in the nature, rough surfaces and natural materials.
It’s important for me that a product looks and feels good, is practical whilst also being multi-functional. I wish to create something new where modern and traditional can elegantly meet.
Aestethical wellness.
I want to offer stylish, responsibly manufactured and well-thought-out products that are also good to use. Products made with high craftsmanship skills brings aestethical wellness to everyday living. There is no desire to buy a nature burdening stuff which is made far away.
Craftmanship. Kerafiikka’s all products are made in Joensuu, respecting the principles of sustainable development. I make products by hand, from kneading a clay lump to a finished object. I make products from stoneware clay with food-safe glazes and they are dishwasher safe.
Products with character. The products are handcrafted in small batches, so each item has its own unique handprint. I also make custom products to order according to the customer’s wishes and needs.
I also use local materials such as wood ash and natural clay as a materials for ceramics. In design, I strive for versatility and longevity. I recycle the surplus clay into new clay and I don’t waste materials. I fire products with single firing without biscue firing to minimize energy consumption. The studio, house and water are heated with geothermal energy and the kiln is heated with solar energy.