Riikka Palonen - The Bonemaiden

My creations in bone and horn echo a connection with the natural cycles of birth and death. In the old traditions of Finland, as in many ancient farming and hunting cultures around the world, when an animal is taken for food, thanks are given and then every part of that animal's body is utilised. No waste. To throw it away is disrespectful.

As the bonemaiden, I take materials that others may consider to be by products or waste materials and create something beautiful or useful. I enjoy testing the capabilities of any new material I find, and discovering the object that lies within the raw material.