About us
After completing our Sami duodji studies at Samernas In Jokkmokk, we realized the potential of bringing together duodji practitioners from different backgrounds to share knowledge and support each other. Our vision for GEA! collective is to create a vibrant community where we can exchange ideas, experiment with new techniques, and showcase our work to a larger audience. In addition, we aim to organize workshops and events to educate and engage with the public, fostering a deeper understanding of Sami duodji and its cultural significance.
Through our collective, we hope to establish connections with other artistic communities, both locally and internationally, and promote the exquisite artistry of Sami culture through our duodji and innovative designs. Our long-term goal is to preserve and revitalize traditional Sami craftsmanship while also exploring contemporary interpretations, contributing to the ongoing evolution and appreciation of this rich cultural heritage.
GEA! collective members
Maidi Kristin Kappfjell Åhrén
Majavatn og Frostviken tradition
Duodji, the Sámi handicraft tradition, has always played a central role in shaping my identity and connecting me to my heritage. Growing up, I was surrounded by the rich and vibrant culture of vætnoe, learning invaluable skills and techniques from my elders, tjidtjie and aahka, who passed down their knowledge through the generations.
As I delved deeper into the art of sløyd, I found myself increasingly drawn to the intricate details and profound symbolism woven into each handmade piece. The act of creating and working with traditional Sámi handicrafts has instilled in me a deep sense of appreciation for the wisdom and craftsmanship of those who came before me. There is a profound sense of continuity in knowing that the tools and techniques I use have been employed in bygone eras, connecting me to a lineage of skilled artisans and the stories of our ancestors. One of the most captivating experiences for me was observing tjidtjie skillfully embroidering with tin, infusing life and spirit into her creations with every stitch. This early fascination ignited my passion for tin and bead embroidery, a craft that I continue to cherish and hone to this day. One of the most rewarding projects I undertook was crafting a meticulously detailed belt for my grandmother, a labor of love that not only celebrated our familial bond, but also honored the tradition of passing down handcrafted treasures through generations.
Email: maidi.ahren@gmail.com
Mariann Meszaros Josefsen
Porsanger/Karasjok tradition
For me, the beauty of duodji lies in its deep-rooted connection to sustainability and cultural preservation. When you engage in duodji, you’re not just creating exquisite crafts; you’re also taking a stand against the detrimental impacts of fast fashion. It’s truly empowering to work with materials that have a minimal environmental footprint while upholding the traditions and values of indigenous cultures.
Moreover, the intricate color combinations that can be achieved with materials like láđđii, sisti, and fur add an element of delightful surprise to the creative process. It’s a journey of exploration, where each vibrant hue intertwines with the natural textures to bring crafts to life with unparalleled beauty.
Email: jmduodji@gmail.com
Magdalena Utsi Johansson
Karesuando tradition
My longing to create and pass on the knowledge of previous generations awakened the idea of educating myself in duodji.
I like the idea that my stitches connect my ancestors with my children and perhaps future grandchildren. Duodji weaves lives together, like the yarn that forms patterns when you weave shoelaces. The feeling of wool yarn in my hands is pure love and happiness. As I sit down to practice the traditional craft of duodji, I find myself immersed in a world where ancient wisdom and contemporary creativity converge. Each movement of the needle, the careful selection of materials, and the rhythmic flow of the process evoke a sense of continuity and heritage. The significance of infusing a piece of myself into each creation, thereby linking past, present, and future, fills me with a profound sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Email: Magdajokkmokk@gmail.com
Agnes Åstot
Jokkmokk tradition
Duodje provides me with a profound avenue to explore and express my creativity, allowing me to engage in a craft that not only serves as a personal passion but also carries profound significance for both my own life and the collective future.
This undertaking demands unwavering dedication, thoughtful contemplation, and a deep sense of responsibility, yet the rewards reaped along this journey are immeasurable. In a sense, it’s a continuous exchange – a reciprocal relationship. I find myself the perpetual recipient of numerous gifts; they emanate from the cherished bonds of family and friends, from cherished heirlooms passed down through generations, and from the wondrous natural world that has long been intertwined with the development of our culture. In exchange, I willingly invest my time and pour my heart into stewarding these bestowed treasures to the best of my ability. These gifts take various forms, be it in the shape of inspiration, the provision of essential materials, invaluable guidance, or the transmission of age-old traditions that serve as the fertile ground for my creative endeavors. All these elements intertwine and contribute to infusing my existence with profound purpose, delivering what could be considered the ultimate gift – life imbued with meaning.
Email: Agnes.isamaria@gmail.com
Sámi Duodji lisensnr: SDA338
GEA! DUODJI - DUODJE - VÆTNOE 