The Wild Clay highlights biodiversity and draws attention to some of nature’s less visible elements, such as the richness of the soil and tiny slime moulds.
Wild Clay teaches about clay and its long history through stories: a friendly fox and friends tell us where to find wild clay and how it is made in nature. The activities encourage children to experiment with art in groups in a way that is unique to children – by exploring, wondering and doing.
Day care centres in Northern Ostrobothnia and Kainuu can reserve the Miniature Art Cabinet free of charge for a period of 2–4 weeks, depending on the needs of other day-care centres in the municipality.
The Wild Clay miniature art cabinet weighs approximately 15kg and is shipped by Posti. Please place the cabinet on a table before you begin to explore it. You can also consult the booklet that comes with the cabinet in advance. Book the miniature art cabinet for your childcare centre.
The miniature art cabinet is a work commissioned by the Oulu Art Museum and realised by the artist. Wild Clay has received a grant from the Finnish Heritage Agency.
Ceramist Ulla Harju
Ulla Harju (b. 1959) from Suomussalmi, Finland, loves ceramics. She makes extensive use of different ceramic methods and firing techniques in her work. She has also worked with wood, glass and various recycled materials and made monotypes with acrylic paint.
The work of a ceramist involves experimenting, combining and playing with different materials, colours and glazes. Experimentation is an essential part of the process. Since the final result is only known after the clay has been fired, chance must be given a chance. Many of Harju’s series originate from this experimentation with materials.
“Working with clay is absorbing. Through clay I am in touch with the earth, with humanity and with history. The process of making still involves the wonder of how clay is transformed from dirt into art and something new when it is fired,” the artist describes.
The themes of Ulla Harju’s work are at the intersection of nature and humanity, reflecting both the state of nature and the human condition. Through her work she wants to remind us that we are part of nature and its cycle.
