Outi Pieski: The Arctic Artist Who Weaves Magic with Wool and Wood

Outi Pieski is a Finnish artist who has a deep connection to the Arctic Circle. She belongs to the Sámi people, the indigenous inhabitants of northern Scandinavia and Russia, who have a rich and diverse culture that is often overlooked or marginalized. Pieski uses her art to explore her identity, heritage, and relationship with nature, creating stunning installations that combine traditional Sámi crafts with contemporary aesthetics.

Pieski is best known for her series of Crossing Paths, which consists of hundreds of colourful tassels made of wool and wood, suspended from the ceiling or the wall. The tassels resemble the fringes of the gákti, the traditional Sámi costume, which is worn on special occasions and has different patterns and colours depending on the wearer’s region, family, and gender. Pieski says that the tassels are “a symbol of belonging, a way of showing who you are and where you come from”. She also says that they are “a way of honouring the Sámi women who have taught me the skills of duodji (Sámi handicraft)”.

“Outi Pieski 6JAN2019 (cropped)” by Kimberli Mäkäräinen is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

The tassels create a mesmerizing effect, as they sway gently in the air, creating shadows and reflections on the walls and the floor. They also evoke the landscape of the Arctic, with its snow-covered mountains, forests, and lakes. Pieski says that she is inspired by the “dramatic changes of light and seasons” in the north, and that she wants to “capture the feeling of being in nature, the sense of awe and wonder”. She also says that she wants to “raise awareness of the environmental issues that affect the Arctic and the Sámi people, such as climate change, mining, and deforestation”.

Pieski’s work has been exhibited in various countries, such as Finland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, France, and Canada. She has also collaborated with other Sámi artists, such as Máret Ánne Sara, Britta Marakatt-Labba, and Joar Nango, to create multidisciplinary projects that celebrate and challenge the Sámi culture and identity. One of her most recent works is “Máttaráhku ládjogahpir”, which means “the grandmother’s spinning wheel” in Northern Sámi. It is a large-scale installation that consists of a wooden structure that resembles a spinning wheel, surrounded by woolen threads that form a circular pattern on the floor. The installation is a tribute to Pieski’s grandmother, who taught her how to spin wool and weave, and who passed away in 2019. Pieski says that the installation is “a way of remembering her and honouring her legacy”.

Outi Pieski is an entrancing artist who has her heart in the Arctic Circle. She uses her art to express her love and respect for her Sámi ancestors, her homeland, and her people. She also uses her art to communicate with the wider world, to share her stories and perspectives, and to invite the viewers to join her in her journey of discovery and appreciation. She is an artist who weaves magic with wool and wood, creating works that are both beautiful and meaningful.