Finland, Maija Esko, Painted Textiles

Maija Esko is a textile artist from Finland. Her painted textiles are made with daily use in mind–from tablecloths and curtains, to bed covers and wall hangings, they are colourful stories told through paint and fabric that can be used and loved for years to come.

The story of each piece is different and can be found within the stripes and layers of colours. The horizontal stripes are inspired by the landscapes of her local environment and neighbourhood, while the intensity and layering of colours and organic forms come from the places she has been to, experienced, or imagined.

Maija believes that a conversion with the surrounding environment arises from her pieces through the colours and lines. 'It’s like hearing the voice of the freezing lake in winter time, feeling the wind in the corners of the old house, listening to the fire in the stove and being aware of the sound of the darkness in the forest.'

In a technique she has developed herself, Maija paints her pieces on a large table, often outside. She frequently hangs the fabric on walls or branches in order to see far into the horizon of the painting, and to, ‘listen for the story to become visible.’ Maija's work is both artistic and functional, and her pieces are wearable and usable artworks. 

To follow the story of Maija Esko, find them on social media here.