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Heta Saarelainen

Born in Helsinki in 1976, Heta Saarelainen studied Silversmithing & Designing at Lahti Polytechnic, Design Institute, Finland. This gave th oppertunity to focus on traditional silversmithing technics applied to contemporary design, and to develope her own style. Through a foreign exchange programme Heta was also able to atend the Birmingham School of Jewellery. Her work was exhibited in Finland and Estonia, and she gratuated in 2000. Following work as a jeweller in Helsinki, Heta travelled to Scotland to become an artist in Residence at the Glasgow School of Art in 2001. Besides teaching the methods and principals of silversmithing, she was able to develope her own techniques and design skills. Through 2002 and 2003 her work was exhibited in the Netherlands, Finland, Sweden and the UK. Heta's next project was with female finnish jewellery designers and silversmiths- 'Boa'. This collaboration provided the exclusive range of pieces for the moment! Galleria in Helsinki, which opened at christmas in 2003. Whilst continuing finnish commitments, Heta is now resident in Scotland, bringing a fresh perspective to silversmithing in the UK. Heta uses a variety of influences for her jewellery and silverware, often from things that she finds around her, man-made structures & architecture. Her love of nature and its elegance are other strong inspirations, such as the fluid, graceful lines of human anatomy. Most importantly, Heta believes that playfulness and humour in the creation process brings out the best in the silversmithing craft. . Website, text, images and designs all © Panik Designs 2003