Heli Juuti | Silphium
Year | 2023 | Medium | Oak, black pigment, wax mixture | Size | 33 x 10 cm |
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Silphium is made from the felled oak of Kytäjä manor. Silphium as a name refers to a mystical plant of ancient Greek times, which is suspected to have become extinct as a result of its overuse. The plant was used as a perfume, aphrodisiac, spice and for medicinal purposes. The plant was so significant that its image can be found printed on silver coins of the era.
Heli Juuti is an artist and designer from Helsinki, whose sculptures consist of various found and received wood materials, such as oak logs, juniper trunk pieces and clippings. The parts of the works are shaped intuitively by working with hand tools, whilst respecting the natural sculptural properties of the materials. In the sculptures, you can find historical references to folk art, sacral architecture and the neo-gothic, the made observations serving as inspiration for the design language of the works. Heli has a master’s degree in art from Aalto University
Heli Juuti