Riikka Katajamaki
Artist

Describe who you are and what you do.

My name is Riikka Katajamaki and I am a Textile Artist and Weaver, originally from Finland, but now based in Mid-Wales. I do arts and crafts workshops with children and grown ups, weaving workshops and demonstrations and I give talks, mainly about my rya rugs. I take part in art exhibitions nationally and internationally.

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How and where do you work to create your art?

I have my own studio in a converted garage where my looms, yarns and other equipments are. I also work inside the house if I need more space, spreading my yarns allover the house and I work outside in the summer on bigger projects.

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Who do you most admire artistically?

I admire every woman who weaves or crochets or knits everyday products, like rugs and jumpers and hats in their spare time after work or childcare. Being creative doesn't mean you have to declare yourself an artist. Finland has a long tradition of mostly womenfolk being able to weave their own rugs and knit their own jumpers. It's a tradition passed on down the line. I started with my gran's old looms, which dated from 1894.

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Describe a situation that inspired you.

When you're younger, your parents aren't going to tell you to go and be an artist. The realities of uncertain income and work prospects aren't exactly thrilling. I was always doing something creative, even as a little child, doing things with my hands. But I didn't believe myself to be good at drawing or good at making things. In High School I had a brilliant Art Teacher, who encouraged me to draw and send my work to competitions. She was an Artist herself. She never made a bad comment about my work, instead she would gently nudge you to put more effort into it. It's because of her I finally had the courage to apply to go to Art School.She was a real inspiration.

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What memorable responses have you had to your work?

The comments I receive for my rya rugs are mostly 'never seen anything like it' as rya rugs aren't that common in this country. In Finland, where we have a long tradition of rya rugs they are also different as I don't tend to do the traditional motives and colours.

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Name something you love, and why.

I love colours and yarns. Just the riot of materials, textures and colours. Something you can sink your hands into and physically hold and stretch and twirl. I also love life drawing, as you easily lose yourself and a couple of hours just by drawing and sketching.

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What is your dream project?

My dream project would be something big, the size of a room. A multidimensional textile piece, that you could walk around or walk inside to. Something that would take everyone's breath away.

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Favourite or most inspirational space?

The beach at sunset for the changing colours and The National Museum in Helsinki, Finland.

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What's the best piece of advice you've been given?

Never stop doing what you're doing. Somebody will always appreciate it.

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