For Antrei Hartikainen, the design and creation of both art and furniture are deeply intertwined, inseparable aspects of his practice. He describes his design process as a “network,” a cornucopia in which various ideas coexist and influence one another. Hartikainen consciously keeps his design process as open as possible for as long as possible, avoiding early elimination of ideas. Sometimes the best concepts emerge from side paths or coincidences, when unexpected elements collide within his internal creative network – just as in nature, things live side by side and influence one another, forming a rich ecosystem.

Nature, in fact, is a significant source of inspiration for Hartikainen. It was also the concrete spark for the creation of Bastone.

Where aesthetics meet technical detail

Since childhood, Hartikainen had been fascinated by the way light filters through the trunks of tall pine forests.

“The way the undergrowth is sparse and light hits it in sharp beams between the trees.”

This image had long simmered in the back of his mind, becoming part of his inner creative network.

“I hadn’t consciously thought that I’d ever use it as inspiration.”

Later, he became intrigued by a particular joint structure and began to explore it, initially thinking to create an art piece for an upcoming exhibition. But the path shifted, and a different idea led to a different piece. Still, the idea of the joint lingered. Eventually, the mind connected it to an image from childhood: the trunks of pine trees and the light.

Bastone brings the objects within it into the light

Hartikainen began to experiment with how the filtered light of a pine forest could be interpreted in a piece of furniture. What kind of cabinet would let light fall onto objects the same way pine trees let light reach mossy mounds on the forest floor?

“The Bastone cabinet is like a podium, a pedestal for the objects placed inside it. It allows light through, making it feel airy.”

Hartikainen originally designed Bastone for the Finnish design brand Poiat. When Nikari acquired Poiat in spring of this year, Bastone was brought into the Nikari collection. It fits so naturally there that it’s hard to believe it wasn’t always a part of it. That natural connection isn’t surprising, considering Hartikainen and Nikari share a long history. It began in 2010 when 18-year-old Hartikainen was looking for an internship as part of his wood artisan studies.

“I’m fascinated by the warmth and familiarity of wood, and by how you can still create incredibly striking pieces from it.” — Antrei Hartikainen

Wood as a material for both furniture and art

Hartikainen grew up in a workshop – his father owned a company that manufactured wooden furniture. However, Hartikainen wasn’t drawn to making basic wooden furniture; he wanted to explore wood as a material on a deeper level.

“I’m fascinated by the warmth and familiarity of wood, and by how you can still create incredibly striking pieces from it.”

Toward the end of his studies, Hartikainen began an internship at Nikari. That led to a summer job, and eventually a permanent position. He moved to Fiskars, a village he fell in love with at first sight. At Nikari, he was given increasing responsibility and eventually became head of product development. By day, Hartikainen worked at Nikari; in the evenings, he pursued his own art projects.

“Nikari was always supportive. I was allowed to use the machines and spaces in the evenings for my own work.”

In 2016, Hartikainen took his first grant-funded artistic leave from Nikari. In 2018, he left to fully focus on his artistic career. This year, the Didrichsen Art Museum will host a large solo exhibition of his work, featuring both sculptures and furniture – including many so-called collectible design objects: unique pieces that are both functional and artistic. This union of art and usability is a defining feature of Hartikainen’s work.

Furniture and artwork in one

The fusion of art and function is also evident in the Bastone series. Even though the furniture is produced in small series and every detail is carefully designed for everyday use, the pieces also function as sculptural, eye-catching objects.

Nikari’s collection also includes Hartikainen’s airy Skandinavia coat rack and the Fiori table series. Two of the larger tables feature hand-carved floral motifs by Hartikainen – the flowers appear to grow directly out of the table surface. You can’t help but admire Fiori; it is more than just a piece of furniture.

“But at the same time, it functions perfectly as a table.”

In Hartikainen’s world, things don’t need to be just one thing. They can be many things at once.