Miki Studio: Ceramics inspired by the Arctic wilderness

By Heidi Kokborg

Inspired by the serene and untouched nature of Finnish Lapland, Miki Kim creates her ceramics in a cosy, wooden cottage. Originally from South Korea, the artist has found her home in a winter wonderland filled with natural beauty and silence, which shines through in every creation she makes.

Nestled in the heart of Finnish Lapland is Posio, a picturesque town with fewer than 3,000 residents. In winter, this little town transforms into a magical wonderland with frosted trees, frozen lakes, and reindeer, all illuminated by the Northern lights. In summer, the landscape offers breathtaking views, crystal-clear lakes, and midnight sun. It is the pristine nature and the winter silence that made Miki Kim fall in love with Posio.

Miki Studio: Ceramics inspired by the Arctic wilderness

Photo: Maija Koskinen

“I fell in love with Lapland’s nature. Everything here is really fantastic. You can see the seasons and colours change, and the local people are so nice, they feel like family,” smiles Miki Kim, founder and owner of Miki Studio. Originally from South Korea, Miki Kim went to Lapland with a friend just over 12 years ago. Shortly thereafter, she was lucky enough to get an internship with a ceramicist in Posio. After the internship, she opened Miki Studio and has lived in Lapland since then. “I studied ceramic design in South Korea for seven years before moving here. I have always been in the field, but I didn’t start my own studio until I moved here,” Kim explains.

Photo: Sanna Lehto

The silent beauty of Lapland

If you ever find yourself in Lapland, you will instantly feel the vastness and silence of the area, almost as if you are the only human being on earth. “What I like the most about living here is the silence. I can focus and concentrate on my work,” Kim says. “The silence, fresh air and watching the colours change from season to season gives me energy, happiness, and confidence.”

One season, especially, is dear to Kim’s heart; winter. “It’s just white. There is a lot of snow here, so everything is white,” she smiles. “You cannot tell where the sky ends and land begins, it’s all the same colour and such a wonderful thing. In my view, this place is a heaven that offers infinite inspiration. The woods change every season; the alluring fragrance of the trees, the bluish, crystal-clear lake, the mysterious aurora and the pure white snow.”

Photo: Sanna Lehto

The artist’s inspiration of snow, coldness, aurora and other Arctic features is woven into her creations. From the Sausage Bear to her Snowy Owl, you will see Finnish Lapland in every piece. And what could possibly be more Nordic than lighting a candle in a polar bear candle holder as the winter evenings unfold? Let the Sausage Bear transport you to a realm of Arctic wonder and snowy forests. Her Snowy Owl is also inspired by the Lapland landscape. “When I first moved here from South Korea, I went to a zoo near Posio. It was the first time I saw a snowy owl, and it became a symbol of courage and wisdom to me.”

Photo: Sanna Lehto

A reflection of experiences

You will also notice that all of Kim’s designs are white and black, and this is no coincidence. “It’s just like Finnish winter nature. After I moved here, I began only using white porcelain because it reminds me of snow,” she says. “My ceramics are also more simple, which is influenced by the Finnish people. They live more simply, they are shy and serious yet pure and warm-hearted. My feelings toward them are often reflected in my work as I observe them with joy. They live as if they are a part of nature and its trees, plants, and flowers, not like those who try to dominate it.”

Photo: Maija Koskinen

But it is not only nature that inspires Kim in her work as a ceramicist. “I’m alone here and live far away from my family, I cannot simply see them whenever I miss them. There are times when I miss my family, and Korean food and South Korea itself,” she admits. “All these emotions help me when I’m working. My creations resemble an experience of my own life.”

Miki Studio has a showroom and shop in the heart of Posio in Lapland, warmly welcoming all visitors. For those who cannot visit in person, her web shop invites customers from around the world to explore and enjoy her unique creations.