PEWTER

PEWTER

This series is inspired by an object that has been part of my life for as long as I can remember — worn by my mother, relatives, and eventually by myself. During my travels through Torne Valley, I visited Kero, a traditional leather tannery and workshop founded by Yrjö Kero and still operated by the Kero family today. Known for their high-quality handmade craftsmanship, they produce näbbskor, bags, wallets, and other leather goods, as well as pewter jewelry made from a combination of leather and tin. This form of craft is deeply rooted in the cultural traditions of the Torne Valley and is commonly associated with everyday life in northern Sweden, particularly in Norrbotten.

The sculptures in this series draw inspiration from these bracelets that have accompanied me throughout my life. They reflect the tactile qualities of leatherwork and pewter embroidery, while also exploring how everyday items can carry cultural memory, identity, and continuity across generations. Through ceramic form, the works reinterpret traditional craft practices and the intimate relationship between material, ornament, and lived experience.