THE IITTALA & ARABIA DESIGN CENTRE , Master Class Workshop

Photo by wonderful Nelli Kivistö. 

The newest addition to Helsinki’s dynamic art and design scene – where you can take a deep dive into two of Finland’s best-known design and lifestyle brands, Iittala and Arabia.

More than a window into the history, present, and future of these legendary brands, the center invites guests to interact with working artists and explore their own creativity through exhibitions, workshops, guided tours, design talks, and events.

I am happy to announce, that among others I  too will give Master Class workshop there, the first ones will be in October and December:

MASTER CLASS WORKSHOP: EVA SPOOF

How to use Udumbara wildclay tea bowls.

UDUMBARA’s pieces are made from wild clay from the small village of Kultela in Somero, southwestern Finland. So, when you get UDUMBARA, you don't just get handmade pottery, you get a piece of Finland too. 

This natural material gives the products a wonderfully rich earthy character and thanks to the porous nature and rich iron and other mineral content of the clay, tea brewed in a wild clay bowl develops a richer flavor.

Udumbara wild clay bowls are made for use. You have to play with them and caress and rub them with your hands often. Wild clay, gains its shine from your touching and rubbing. A well "loved" wild clay bowl has a better glow than a less "loved" bowl.  

Photo courtesy of Nina Skogster

The light milky color, glazes will eventually develop fine crackles. As time passes, with use tea seeps in the crackles gives a patina that is prized and brings pleasure to tea connoisseurs. 

Never use soap or detergent on Udumbara wild clay bowls. Use it only for tea, it will absorb tea, as well as non-tea stuff.  Don't put your bowl near any funny smell, especially when they are wet. Use it only for tea.

After use, extract all tea leaves from your Udumbara bowl. Rinse it with hot water to wash away all tea inside. Wipe it with soft fabric to get rid of all water. Then leave the bowl in an airy place to dry.

Stray saucers

Porcelain saucers get my sympathy at Flea Markets. They were once someone's precious possessions. Remainders for what a wonderful industry we had in Helsinki.  Arabia fine china. Before  WWII it was the largest porcelain factory in Europe. But like all the good Saga's, it too came to its end.  

RIP Arabia, made in Finland 1873-2016.

My mother was an Arabia factory guide. She loved her job.  I grew up visiting the factory, hearing so many stories from Arabia's history. I guess that's why I am a ceramist now.

In the early 2000s, me, Mom "Bigi", my sister Annika & her daughter Taika.

I  like to use stray saucers like the grannies use to use them...under the flowerpots. I love the miss match they make with my pots. Rustic wild clay terracotta pot, paring with elegant, delicate china.  

Photo courtesy of Nina Skogster. 

Old glass plates are perfect for round shapes

Photo courtesy of Nina Skogster.

Astialiisa in a great place to find good soucers under our pots!

the name

UDUMBARA the name.

The Udumbara flower, or “an auspicious flower from heaven” in Sanskrit.

The time I started the pottery (1994) and for many years I was a practicing Buddhist. 

UDUMBARA name comes from Buddhism, plainly it means no sorrow. The name is a memory for the quest to live an authentic life...finding the way for true self is not easy, not for anyone. 

Thich Nhat Hanh places the flower in the context of enlightenment. 

To see a fully awakened person, a Buddha, is so rare that it is like seeing an udumbara flower. In the Tu Hieu Monastery in Hue, there is a scroll which says: "The udumbara flower, although fallen from the stem, is still fragrant." Just as the fragrance of the udumbara flower cannot be destroyed, our capacity for enlightenment is always present. The Buddha taught that everyone is a Buddha, everyone is an udumbara flower.

UDUMBARAs symbols

Eva Spoof/UDUMBARA mark 

UDUMBARA pottery started in 1994, but ever since I can remember I have marked all my artworks with "zorro" the Sarvela family cross.
This original was signature of my ancestor Hermanni Sarvela (1806 - 1880) but assumedly much older and it has been used as my fathers family's symbol In 2001 graphic artist Eva Louhio (who also made UDUMBARA's logo's) made a mark of mine, this red version of  "zorro".

UDUMBARA´s  Rooster (photo by Nina Skogster). "the Sarvela rooster" 

It is very old and has been watching over the pottery for years. The rooster is from the same farm (Sariola) as my "zorro" mark, from the Sarvijoki village in Jurva South-Ostrobothnia of Finland. 

Rooster as a spirit animal: 

If Rooster is your Animal, you are comfortable and in touch with your fiery side, especially in terms of passion/sexuality. 

As the herald of dawn, Rooster also gives you hope and mental keenness. Those who carry Rooster medicine inside rarely find themselves depressed or lacking energy. Rooster fills your aura with enthusiasm and a renewed sense of wittiness.

Rooster spirit draws good luck, prosperity and overall health to both you and your situation or projects. 

Finally, Rooster as a Totem Animal helps you to be a potent protector who is adept at keeping negative energies and evil away with your the solar light which burns brightly in your aura.

As Rooster arches his neck up to the heavens and lets loose his sacred song, our attention is called to the fact that we are alive to witness the power emanating from such a small and relatively fragile creature. If such a tiny soul believes he is entitled to touch the stars, so can you! 

In meditations, the Rooster teaches you self-protection and vigilance. This Spirit Animal also mingles with your auric field to cleanse negativity.

From:

https://whatismyspiritanimal.com/spirit-totem-power-animal-meanings/birds/rooster-symbolism-meaning/

Thank you!