2010 Leaf Boat

Leaf Boat　　　　2010

photo: Kai Tirkkonen

willow, timber, photo images, glass ball, mirror,acrylic board, stone, etc.
leaf: L.680cm, W.150cm, H.170 cm
the ground: W.600cm x L.1500cm, dimension variable
KulttuuriKauppila Art Centre and the Culture Tradition Path of Ii, Ii, Finland
[ART Ii Biennale of Northern Environmental and Sculpture Art 2010]

My impression of the Finnish people is that they are indomitable and elastic, because they have survived in the difficult history and cold climate, nevertheless, their mind is natural and elegant. I symbolize the people as a floating leaf in a torrent.
You see Ii history in the water drop on my Leaf Boat, especially, the history of the regeneration from the old former school to KulttuuriKauppila Art Centre. This water drop will also welcome audience to join it by reflecting their faces to the mirror on the bottom of it.
You read two languages wrriten with stones around Leaf Boat, meaning“Can you hear me?” in Finnish and Japanese. It may be a call from nature to human beings, from the history to people of today, and calls between Finnish and Japanese.

photo: Kai Tirkkonen

The images in the water drop

The history of Ii people and the regeneration from the old former school to KulttuuriKauppila Art Centre;

The life with Ii river- float pine tree, carry tar, wash clothes and swim.
The school built in 1892 and students.
The fire at the school.
3 artists reconstructed the old school as the art center.
The members of KulttuuriKauppila Art Centre, and children cooperating for my artwork.

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