Folks goes art

Laura Itkonen from Helsinki is a designer and an artist. In her production, the main focus is on visually detailed architectural ceramics and statuesque utensils, combining both, art and design. Laura has designed and implemented ceramic murals in 47 rooms at The Folks Hotel Konepaja. 

Her artistic style was inspired by the materials and the city architecture of the surrounding area. The historic buildings in the Konepaja area have been built of the traditional Finnish red clay, which Laura has also used in some of her murals.

There is a colorful, full ceiling-sized painting in the staircase of Vanha Konttori. It has the signature of “V. Sellmer, A. Laitinen, 1957”, The painting consists of flat color surfaces. Mythological topics of railways and machine shops have been combined thereto and some highlights of Helsinki city architecture can be seen in the background.

There is a text “Nulla dies sine linea.” written on the painting. At the other end of the painting, there is also a later signature; “R. Väyrynen, 1983.”  The painting in the lobby has a similar style, with men in a machine shop painted in it. There is a signature “V. Sellmer 1958”.

The objective of the light art installation and façade lighting is to highlight the historical façades of the protected buildings and to reestablish Konepajanportti as a central entrance and gathering place.

The façade lighting of The Folks Hotel focuses on the light art installation “Locomotion” at Konepajanportti, which is inspired by the area’s former railway network and transforms into lines of light that mimic the movement of the tracks. The installation creates a living railway network in the square that merges with Konepaja’s architecture during the day and activates in a calm motion in the evening.

The façade lighting emphasizes the architecture of the buildings with rhythms of light and shadow, revealing details from different eras and creating a harmonious whole with the light installation.

A former professional ice hockey player, Ville Leino is nowadays more known for his Billebeino brand, which is a big part of The Folks. During his career as a professional hockey player, he started to paint to get a break from his daily routines. Now he gets to paint even more. The Folks Hotel Konepaja has multiple unique paintings by Leino and one of them has been perpetuated to the hotel’s decorative pillows.

Behind the art of Waltzer-Girda is his mesmerizing personality. His artwork is inspired by nature and spirituality. The art at The Folks also stems from the roughness and simplicity as well as the richness of Finnish nature. Waltzer’s art pieces have always been manufactured of longstanding materials, by utilizing old art techniques. Many international collectors have acquired Walzer-Girdan’s sculptures.

Meri Nurmi has designed a signature print called “Maalaus” for The Folks. The print can be seen in two sets of colors all over the hallway and room carpets. The inspiration for the print was found during the construction side demolition, out of old surfaces and structures. Multiple layers of paint and dangling insulation formed some rough, but beautiful surfaces, to which Meri referred to by painting and tearing up paper. 

When designing the colors, the color palettes of the rooms, the maintenance, and the print technique of tufted carpets were all taken into consideration. The carpets were delivered by Vallila Interior.

The Atelier Suite offers a captivating exhibition of works by Finnish artists. The room is decorated with carefully selected pieces that provide a window into the diversity and richness of Finnish art. In the exhibition space, the art invites viewers to pause, reflect, and enjoy the delicate and multifaceted expressions of local artists.