Matias Karsikas, a Helsinki-based artist, crafts compelling sculptures that engage with the resilience of nature amidst human impact. His artistic process centers on a deep engagement with his materials, resulting in pieces that blend glass, wood, and ceramics in unexpected ways. The works occupy a fascinating space between the manufactured and the organic, presenting bold, hand-blown glass formations that suggest symmetrical petals alongside the rhythmic appearance of fired clay, evoking the intricate details of disc florets.
A key aspect of Karsikas’s creations lies in the deliberate contrast introduced by fragments of untreated wood. This juxtaposition challenges any easy sense of equilibrium between the inherent elements of plant life and their constructed counterparts. Rather than direct depictions, Karsikas draws inspiration from the textures and surfaces found in the natural world. His development of unique glazes allows him to achieve complex finishes, such as the mottled greens seen in pieces like “Jäkälä” and “Sammal”, which closely resemble the surfaces of lichen and moss.
Karsikas’s artistic exploration extends to public installations, exemplified by “Peukaloisen puutarha” adorning a Helsinki daycare center. This piece, translating to “Little Thumbling’s Garden”, features a rich collection of embellished flowers, a berry cluster, and peas. Through this playful manipulation of scale, Karsikas aims to stir recollections of childhood, a period when the world seemed more expansive, enchanting, and full of wonder.
More info: Website, Instagram.
