Weaving Finnish Tradition and Feminist Narratives into Art
Ashley Aalto
Art that is deeply rooted in connection, empathy, and the exploration of personal and cultural identity, Ash’s artistic career span across multiple mediums such as painting, sculpture, and immersive installations. Ash draws her inspiration from her Finnish heritage, her upbringing in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and the challenges faced by her community.
Now working for Humber Galleries and a graduate of Humber College, Ash continues to evolve her craft, blending tradition with expression and using her art to tell stories that resonate on both a personal and collective level.
A Finnish Foundation: Culture and Rituals
It starts in Thunder Bay, a place which boasts the largest Finnish populations outside of Finland. “My upbringing was very informed by Finnish culture,” she shares, fondly recalling family saunas—a weekly ritual that was as much about connection as it was about health. A tradition almost every Finnish family indulged in. Even in the cold of midwinter, the tradition involved plunging into the frigid waters of Lake Superior and returning to the sauna—a practice that was “deeply relaxing and almost spiritual.”
Another cherished tradition was the making of himmeli—3D geometric sculptures traditionally crafted from field straw and twine. These ornaments, created during Christmas or solstice celebrations, symbolize the connection between heaven and earth and bring good fortune. “Himmeli is a way of preserving our culture,” Ash explains, “And I’ve reinterpreted the practice in a way that reflects my own personal connection and artistic vision."
Ash’s himmeli-inspired sculptures are a contemporary revision of this Finnish art form. Instead of using traditional materials, she explores with paper straws, copper wire, and spray paint to create modern, visually striking pieces. “I like to play on aesthetics and explore interesting materials. It’s about sparking curiosity and sharing a little piece of my background.”
Her sculptures are not only about preservation but also about reinvention, bridging the gap between past and present. Her larger exhibitions are immersive installations, inviting viewers into spaces designed to emulate Finnish saunas. These installations reflect the spiritual significance of the sauna in Finnish culture, offering a serene and meditative experience that encourages connection and reflection.
Narrative Paintings: Exploring Feminist Perspectives
Beyond sculpture, Ash’s painting practice serves as an outlet for self-expression. Currently, she is working on a series that explores girlhood and generational trauma through a feminist lens. Growing up in Thunder Bay, a laboring town marked by homelessness, addiction, and mental health struggles, Ash witnessed the systemic neglect of her community.
“The prevalence of drugs as self-medication, the generational trauma—it’s all woven into the fabric of the region… Our governments forget about us. We don’t get the funding or resources we need. It is a place that feels isolated and so often forgotten about.”
Through her art, Ash aims to give voice to her community, shedding light on these issues and fostering empathy. “I want to provide my perspective and inspire others to connect with each other,” she says. “It’s about making everyone feel like they belong.”
At the heart of it all is a desire to connect—with her heritage, her community, and her audience. Her art invites viewers to step into her world, to feel the warmth of a sauna, the beauty of a hand-crafted himmeli, or the raw emotion of her narrative paintings.
“I felt like such an outcast growing up—I think a lot of artists do,” Ash reflects. “What I want my art to do is make people feel like they belong, like they’re seen, like they are heard.” Her work reflects the beauty in the shared experiences and connections that bind us all.
@artxaalto
