Get to know: Ceramicist Leena Kouhia

Ceramicist Leena Kouhia has designed coarse and earthy vases and platters for Nanso's renovated store in Kamppi.

Leena Kouhia became a ceramist by happy accident. The hobby turned into a job when he uploaded pictures of the plates he made to social media. Leena started getting orders and when they came more and more, she decided to start her own company. Now Raaka Rå turns 6 years old. Although it all started as a hobby, Kouhia has systematically developed his company since the beginning. When designing utility items, Leena Kouhiaa is inspired by the needs of people and companies. An order that solves a problem is welcome. When making art, he goes deeper than the surface in the matters to be discussed. In her work, Leena can tell a story, explore shapes and colors, break existing things into pieces and build something new from them.

Kouhia's own head, heart, eyes and hands are the most important tools. Leena is hardworking and productive, but long working days can be very relaxing. He often listens to music or audiobooks while working. The home is a block away from the study on Iso Roobertinkatu.
1. What is your favorite technique and why?

In my work, I use plaster molds for building by hand, as well as various hand-building techniques. I say that I enjoy drilling, which I do use to make a few products, but I amuse myself with it when I have time. I don't use casting clay, because it hasn't interested me at all, at least so far. Hand building is probably my favorite thing, it is limited by nothing but your imagination and the size of the oven.
2. What is the story of the products you make for Nanson's renovated store?

Nanso's chief designer Noora Niinikoski contacted me and told me that Nanso needs coarse and grainy dishes and vases for its new store. I thought that this is exactly the right job for me, because it's nice to do rough and tumble. Yes, it's nice to be small and pretty, but right now, proper plastering feels good. We thought about models and shapes together, and later Joanna Laajisto came to look at the final filings for the coloring, so that the work fits the planned interior exactly as it should. 3. What is your normal working day like?

In my life, everyday life is not much different from weekends or holidays, in that sense I live everyday life every day. Or rather, this is just sacred to me. I am a conscientious, diligent and hardworking person, and I get stressed if things don't move forward. I'm practically at work every day and everything is my waking time, but when I get enough sleep and wake up at my own pace, the rest of the day goes efficiently without fatigue. As a breakfast delivery boy, I do paperwork and e-mail work. When the office work is done and the porridge is eaten, I go to the workshop, where I am until the evening. In the past, my two old dachshunds made my days different with their outdoor activities, but now that the dogs are gone, I completely immerse myself in my work. In addition, when my workshop shop is a block away from home, my life is physically moving around in the really narrow bubble of Punavuori. Time is not wasted in traffic and I can focus on my work all the time. I don't think there is anything better than this.

Nanso's renovated store will open in Kamppi on March 6.
Leena Kouhia's workshop shop can be found at: Iso Roobertinkatu 43

www.leenakouhia.com