Finland, *1949

Ritva-Liisa Pohjalainen is known as one of Finland’s most highly regarded designers. Her career started in the fashion and textile industry and went on to precious metals, ceramics and the design of demanding, unique glass sculptures.

“Beauty is strength that carries us forward. It guides me to the path where the powerful feelings in my heart take a form which the senses can understand.

My road as an artist leads me deeper and deeper into nature. There before me, I am faced with the huge questions of humanity. Before them I am speechless and bare. I do not know the answers, but my journey turns to glass. My journey continues.

My ideas for new sculptures often emerge as visions that appear in my mind like a flash. They are just as likely to come from the streets of a huge metropolis as from the waves of my beach at home, music or the face of a sleeping child. To work on an idea, I need to take my time and concentrate, and at this point my internal journey may take a long time.”