A Japanese craft artist, Kanae Uehara, has been drawn to handicrafts and creations from natural materials since childhood. She is particularly captivated by the geometric beauty of himmeli, a traditional Finnish decoration, and the reverence for nature embedded within it, which has inspired her ongoing artistic practice.

In 2018, Kanae visited Finnish himmeli artist Eija Koski. At that time she received rye grains from Eija’s husband, organic farmer Kari Koski. By cultivating these seeds in Japan and creating works from the harvested rye straw, Kanae expresses the spiritual connection between Finland and Japan.

In recent years, she has gained attention both domestically and internationally for her original works that transcend traditional himmeli forms, harmonising beautifully with contemporary spaces.

Artist Kanae Uehara’s works are complemented by introductions to the himmeli tradition in Finland and its connections to Japanese aesthetics and traditions by Ayana Usami.

Ayana Usami researches Finnish Himmeli culture, with a focus on its handicrafts and cultural significance. She shares her work through social media and lectures, engaging with both Finnish and Japanese creators. Between 2022 and 2023, she wrote a monthly column for Lapuan Kankurit Omotesando, where she explored the work and values of Finnish creators through interviews. During this journey, she developed an interest in the overlapping aesthetic values shared by Finland and Japan.