APPRECIATION 

A P P R E C I A T I O N
Co-Exhibition with Corn Shuk Mei Ho
17.7.2019 – 14.8.2019
at Chelsea Waterside ArtSpace, London 

Paintings, Photographs, video work. 

Marika & Corn. Photo: Mikko Malminen

The following texts and photos are from the Chelsea Waterside ArtSpace exhibition.
Texts have been written in close co-operation with cultural anthropologist Crista Soskolne.   

Relax and enjoy this journey to the theme of appreciation!

In ancient Finnish mythology, nature is abundant with different spirits and forces (väki). The Finnish concept väki includes in its meaning all of these terms: force, strength, people, force or strength of a group of people or spirits. Elements like water, fire, ground and air had their own spirits. Lakes, rocks and forests had their own group of protecting spirits, forces, elves and forefathers that were highly respected. Water held a particularly large number of different kinds of spirits. Water represented the formation of our universe and it was also believed to show our way after life. In many old rock paintings, water is drawn as
the element of the underworld. Our lives begin in water in our mother’s womb and water is essentially a source of life. In ancient Finland, when someone died it was thought that the last journey was taken on a river between aboveground and afterlife (Tuonenvirta). Water was present both at the beginning and at the end of our lives.

Appreciating water spirits was crucial. it was a part of the way of life to give gifts to these spirits to keep them content. If they were disrespected, they would take revenge in the form of sickness and loss of the fishing catch. Selfishness was thought to harm life, as the balance of nature would be shaken. There had to be balance in giving and receiving, in appreciation and gratitude. Everything that was received from nature had to be earned by asking, invoking and supporting it first. The Finnish word for fishing, ‘pyytää’, still has the same meaning as asking for something. We ask for nourishment and protection from nature. This painting with its deep blue shades and golden colours represents my appreciation for the old beliefs that tell us how important it is to first give to nature in order for us to enjoy its richness and balance in the future.

Details of the painting: 
Spirit of Water
80 x 80 cm
Acrylic on canvas
Sold

The oldest rock base of Europe is situated in Finland, Koli (North Carelia). It was formed nearly three billion years ago. At that time it was part of Kenorland, one of the earliest known supercontinents on Earth. Koli is the oldest place in Finland and in the whole of Europe. The ancient inhabitants of Finland may not have known this, but they knew Koli possessed exceptionally strong powers and spirits. They regarded it as sacred. When I first visited Koli a few years ago, I didn’t expect anything exceptional. It was supposed to be just a walk to a famous peak in the footsteps of our national artists who used to frequent Koli 100 years ago. I reached Koli at evening time when the sun was setting down. I was sitting at one of the peaks, called ”Akka-Koli” (”The Hag”). It was quiet and I was listening to the winds playing with the trees and some bird’s wistful singing. They were the only sounds I could hear, as I was so far away from any roads and traffic. I was thinking how beautiful and serene it was. Suddenly I felt like the surrounding environment would silence my thoughts. The only thing left was nature. Nothing else. And then I experienced a very rare feeling of complete safeness that is hard to describe in words. It happened without conscious control, expectation, effort or wish. I felt honoured to experience it.

I would have liked to have stayed there longer, but night started to fall and I didn’t have a light with me. I had to leave. While walking down from the peak I was thinking about what had happened. In the same place where my ancestors had held their ceremonies for hundreds of years I had also felt sacredness. It felt like a gift in this world.

Details of the painting:
Sacredness
80 x 80 cm
Available 
Inquires: marika.keratar@gmail.com

“Watching how the water always finds its way in nature.
Learning from its effortless stream.”

Details of the painting:
Listening
80 x 80 cm
Acrylic on canvas
Available 
1.200€
Inquiries: marika.keratar@gmail.com

“I appreciate you.
I listen to you.
I begin to understand you.”

Details of the painting:
Understanding
80 x 80 cm
Acrylic on canvas
Sold

In our history, women who had given birth were believed to have stronger forces than the power of a bear or the power of death. Therefore they were asked to protect the house, cattle and people with their force, which was called Naisen väki = Power/spirit of the woman. Women were respected, as people knew they could also use their power for doing harm. Women were also equally respected as men as healers and wise shamans.

I believe it is important for ourselves and our children to remember this aspect of our history. We have to remember.

We have to have this memory of being equal and highly respected so we don’t have to talk only about oppression. We have to remember that power, which can do good but also harm others. I feel that bringing light to the appreciation of women in our roots is meaningful for our well-being today.

Details of the painting:
Respected
Acrylic on canvas
65 x 80 cm
Available
1.350€
Inquiries: marika.keratar@gmail.com

“So many fears.
And acting in spite of them.

I appreciate your courage.”

Details of the painting:
Courage
Acrylic on canvas
65 x 80 cm
Available
1.200€
Inquiries: marika.keratar@gmail.com