Kati Tuominen-Niittylä

Kati Tuominen-Niittylä (Finnish, b. 1947) is an internationally acclaimed ceramic artist living and working in Helsinki, Finland. Her elegant minimalist works blend multiple techniques with extraordinary skill alternating between wheel-throwing, casting, and hand-building with a prevalence of textured, carved surfaces, all of which are high-fired. Evoking archetypal silhouettes reminiscent of functional vessels such as buckets and basketry, as well as shapes found in nature, Tuominen-Niittylä creates objects that are refined and sophisticated yet with a rough plainness that is further emphasized by the earthy neutral hues. The objects appear almost ancient or geological. The interchanging of techniques also affords uniqueness to each piece and it often leads to new details and finishes. Although the works are suggestive of ancient functional forms, Tuominen-Niittylä creates each piece purely with artistic purpose.

Tuominen-Niittylä studied at the Aalto University School of Arts, Architecture, and Design. She is a member of the Arabia Art Department Society and has designed for Arabia Studios. Her work is in the permanent collections of numerous public institutions including the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, the Finnish State Collections, and the Shigaraki Cultural Park Museum in Japan.