ARTIST STATEMENT
Saara Renvall is an artist and a crafter working on objects and sculptures. She does not limit herself to any pre-determined set of materials or techniques, as for her the relationship between the subject and the material is essential and defining in her artistic process.
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With her work she wants to reminds us what we should remember; value of time and humanity, our relationship with others and the nature, and our profound connection with everything that surrounds us. Her vision is to create objects that serve as mediators, objects similar to talismans or mental compasses.
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“There is often an element of worry or sorrow in my work but I try to address these topics with a subtle way. My intention is to peel off a layer of anything too obvious and try to make my point so that I can leave the viewer with enough space to connect, react and realize.”
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Even though she ventures with various materials, she keeps coming back to wood. It is the material she has the longest relationship with and most respect for. Connection has deepened as over the past year she has focused on investigating her personal relationship with wood, forest, and the Finnish forestry.
BIOGRAPHY
Based in Helsinki, Finland, Saara Renvall (b.1973) is an artist working with objects and sculpture. After finishing her training as a carpenter, Renvall graduated from the Aalto University, Helsinki and received her Master of Arts in 2002. In beginning of her career, as a freelance designer she worked with more traditional design projects and then she expanded her practice towards new areas through material studies, experimental prototypes and one-offs. Since 2017 her work has shifted even more into stronger artistic self-expression and independence.
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Renvall received the Bryggman -award in 2005 for her merits in creative design. She has also received the Finnish Cultural Foundation one-year grant for artistic work in 2008, 2009 and 2017, along with several smaller grants, scholarships and prizes since year 2000. In 2010, Renvall was awarded The Young Designer of the Year Prize. Since beginning of 2022 Renvall’s work was supported by Arts Promotion Center Finland with three-years artist grant.
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Since graduating she as actively participated numerous exhibitions and residences both in Finland and abroad including FCINY residency in New York, Oribe Artist Residency in Gifu, Japan and Bio art Society residency in Kilpisjärvi, Lapland.
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Her work has been acquired by State Art Foundation, National Museum of Scotland and private collectors in Finland. She lives and works both in Helsinki and Askola, Finland.
Photo Sakari Röyskö
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