ABOUT MARI TOLVANEN

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I am a ceramic artist living and working in Helsinki, Finland.  I like working with clay and the aesthetics included in the process.  A lot of times the process itself guides the finished product.  I have worked with different techniques, such as wood-firing.  I like to create an element of surprise in all of my pieces, which could lead to a certain glaze or design. 

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Making and designing ceramics has been my focus, but also drawing and painting.  They have similarities in the way I explore process and textures.  One technique requires a lot of time and preparation, while drawing is much faster.       

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In addition to working in ceramics, I also teach ceramic courses at my studio to students of all ages.  I have had exhibitions of my ceramic work and drawing in Finland, Canada, Germany and Belgium.