Saami Heritage

My work is strongly influenced by both my Finnish mother and my Saami father. I like to use the textile traditions, colours and styles of both Finland and the Saami in my work.

Sámi

Tales of a Sámi
A collection of oral stories told by my father about his early life growing up in Sápmi (Lapland)

Karelia

My mother was from Viipuri, Karjala, (Vyborg, Karelia) and she was a weaver. During the war, she kept our family alive and fed, by weaving and sewing for her living. Once she immigrated to Canada, she no longer had a loom, but continued to love the fibre crafts. At an early age, I learned to knit, crochet and sew, from her example.
Tablet woven belts and bands are one of the textile traditions of Karelia. I have recently been studying the tablet weaving techniques of Finland and you may see some of my work on these pages.