Heidi Kettunen. LAB University of Applied Sciences. New Talents Award Nominee 2024

Name of graduation student: Heidi Kettunen
Name of guiding teacher: Aura Hakuri

Nominated by LAB University of Applied Sciences, Lappeenranta, Finland

The reality of senses is processed with a delicate touch in Heidi's bachelor project. Technical experimentation was aiming to reach the softer sides of the copper, finding the balance between the skin and the outside world. These pieces are like both companions and tools to connect with the ubiquitous around us, protecting and taking care of the wearer on the same go – sensing, passing information, making us aware.
/ Jenni Sokura, department lecturer


Statement by the artist:
Aistin I & Aistin II / Senser I & Senser II

Like many of my pieces, Senser I & II (in Finnish Aistin I & II) started with the technic I had chosen. My first attempt with pencils on enamelled copper was a couple of years earlier in an enamelling class at school. Testing and studying the rules and possibilities of pencil drawing on enamelled surfaces was the main goal for these works. Drawing is a longtime passion of mine, and being able to combine it with another way of working was exciting. The limited amount of information found about this technic meant having to do a lot of hands-on research. It was helpful to have some prior experience and knowledge, since that helped to avoid some rookie mistakes that could have been made.

Another aim was to create wearable art that fits on the body and sits on it without unnecessary attachment mechanisms. This led to an idea for the theme of these works: skin. Like these pieces, our skin also sits on our body, without us even noticing. It acts as an amour between us and the outside world and its threats. Copper as a metallic material tied into the idea of armours and protecting one’s body. The drawn figures were also inspired by skin: skin cells in microscope images and the overall textures of the skin.

It was essential for the wearability of the pieces to incorporate some softer materials on to the surfaces that touch the wearers’ body. Gauze is used to tie wounds etc. on the skin. In Senser I & II it was used to bring softness and volume to the textile. These forms conform to the shape of the shoulder and the palm of one’s hand. Cord made from medical tape was used to give finishing touches to the works, as well as integrate them more on to the wearer or to the space surrounding them.

When naming the pair of works, the thoughts went back to the skin. The skin has the ability to sense many things: temperature, touch and pain. It alerts and informs us with goosebumps, wrinkles and itching. The word senser could mean something or someone that senses. The Finnish translation of the word, and the original name of the works, is aistin. Aistin isn’t just something that senses things. It’s also a way to say, ‘I sense’. This made the pieces feel more personal and closer not just for me as the maker, but also for whoever is wearing them.


Contact:
Email: heidi.kettunen.art@gmail.com
Instagram: @heidikettunen.art


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