ABOUT

The SPIRITS OF NATURE

My many trips to Lapland has been influenced a lot to my art. I have never seen any spirit of nature for sure, but once almost in asleep… About few years ago I was visiting again few weeks at my friend Lea’s home in Äkäslompolo and then I saw the most peculiar dream at the first nigh. There came some voice to tell me:

• - Satu, now is time to introduce you to your own Elf !
• I was terrified and forced myself woke up.
• So I haven’t seen my Elf. Yet…

Story from Äkäslompolo by Lea Kaulanen:

“The Finnish word “Haltija” has no exact English translation.

It can be translated to Elf, but also Owner, Bearer, Ore occupant.

Every marsh, stone, lake, spring and tree has own Haltija, a spirit

that is part of it, and also takes care of it. Haltija and also Maahinen

are the keepers and caretakers of the places they occupy and they

are the true masters of the forest. Humans are just alien trespassers

there, who are usually – if they behave themselves – wellcome.”