Both form and function

There’s something about islands and creative people that just go together. It’s hard to say whether it might be nature, the light or island life in general. Regardless of the reason why, it’s definitely a good thing for Åland.

Like Åland’s society and culture in general, traditional Ålandic handicrafts are a wonderful fusion of Finnish and Swedish. In practice, this means the handicrafts are a bit more decorative and ornamental than those found on the Finnish mainland, but not nearly so elaborate as Swedish handicrafts.

Modern arts and crafts, however, are more difficult to define, because today’s makers draw their influences from all over the world. Nature is a recurring theme, and nautical motifs have always been typical of Åland. Older handicrafts have also taken their inspiration from the maritime realm. For example, textiles and clothing might have been influenced by fashions in America or England. DURING THE 1980S, ceramics and pottery gained in popularity thanks to the influences of imported products. At the same time, the Association of Arts and Crafts in the Aland Islands in Finland began working to increase the value of handicrafts and the status of craftspeople and artisans. In addition to the fact that arts and crafts are popular and practical souvenirs, they are also highly regarded by Ålanders, who readily buy them as gifts or even for themselves.

HANDCRAFTED TEXTILES are most common today, with everything from needlework, weaving and knitting to felting and textile printing. There is generally a wide range of techniques used by Åland’s many professional craftspeople and artisans. From potters, goldsmiths and glass artists to cobblers, cabinetmakers, saddle makers and countless jacks-of-all-trades.

WOMEN DOMINATE Åland’s arts and crafts scene. One example, located in the Maritime Quarter, is SALT, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary with an exhibition at the Eckerö Post & Customs House. All current and past members of the crafts house are participating. You can also see this year’s handicrafts exhibition, which has precious and base metal pieces on display.

ARTS AND CRAFTS TO SEE

GULDVIVA and SALT in the Maritime Quarter. VIKTOR CRAFTS & DESIGN in Mariehamn. GALLERIET OCH EHNS hobbyaffär in Mariehamn. ELE & KELE in Mariehamn. STICKSTUGAN in Järsö. LUGNET KERAMIK in Hammarland. JUDYS KERAMIK in Finström. MIA ENGLUND in Smakbyn. ECKERÖ POST & CUSTOMS HOUSE in Eckerö.