When visiting Visavuori, one can see a small-scale draft sculpture of the Lönnrot monument. This plaster version is almost the same the as final is, but with small changes, for example the hidden face of Antero Vipunen is more prominent, and instead of a pentagram like in the final work, his forehead bears a hexagram, with "Antero Vipunen" spelled on it. For this work, I 3D scanned the actual Lönnrot monument in Helsinki, and placed it in small scale next to the plaster draft using AR.
The fireplaces of Visavuori are pieces of art in their own right. Embraced by glazed tiles, they shine in organic greens and earthy browns. While easy for a visitor to overlook amidst the treasures of Visavuori, these fireplaces, with their subtle elegance, also deserve their own moment in the spotlight.
Emil's atelier building at Visavuori is a masterpiece that continually draws me in. Its dominant hues of yellows and reds, especially the traditional shingle roof, are a captivating sight. This structure is not just a building; it's the very heart of Visavuori. Here, amidst its walls, the genius of Emil Wikström's sculptures come alive. The atelier also houses the quite unique star-gazing tower and the breathtaking winter garden.
The Wikström residence at Visavuori is a magnificent log house that could be from the tales of Kalevala. As one approaches the stairs to the outdoor porch, a lynx-like wooden sculpture stands sentinel, guarding the entrance, holding a sword or a stick. The vivid red and yellow are the primary colors, and they provide a stark contrast to the green paint on the handlebar. And as you ascend, the vista unfolds - a view of towering oaks, once saplings planted by Emil, now mature, their branches heavy with acorns.
For the first time in 125 years, this winning sculpture of Elias Lönnrot by Emil Wikström sees the light of day. "When Elias Lönnrot was out on his poem collection travels, he hears the birth words and singing, which he stops to write down." 3D scan by Marja Konttinen.
“Elias Lönnrot runonkeruumatkalla ollessaan kuulee syntysanoja ja laulua, jota seisahtaa kirjoittamaan.” Syntysanat, vuonna 1899 järjestetyn Lönnrot-patsaskilpailun voittanut luonnos, Emil Wikström 3D-skannauksen video, Marja Konttinen
3D scan of Ain' yhä ajattelevi (Väinämöinen) by Emil Wikström, originally sculpted 1907-1908, this version is from 1992. This statue portrays Väinämöinen pondering. The name comes from Kalevala: Kalevala - Seitsemästoista runo Vaka vanha Väinämöinen, kun ei saanunna sanoja tuolta Tuonelan ko'ista, Manalan ikimajoista, ain' yhä ajattelevi, pitkin päätänsä pitävi, mistäpä sanoja saisi, loisi lempiluottehia.
Winter in Visavuori
The draft and the final Lönnrot sculpture
For this work, I 3D scanned the actual Lönnrot monument in Helsinki, and placed it in small scale next to the plaster draft using AR.
Visavuori Swatches - Fireplace
Visavuori Swatches - Atelier
Visavuori Swatches - Home Stairs
Syntysanat / Birth words
3D scan by Marja Konttinen.
“Elias Lönnrot runonkeruumatkalla ollessaan kuulee syntysanoja ja laulua, jota seisahtaa kirjoittamaan.”
Syntysanat, vuonna 1899 järjestetyn Lönnrot-patsaskilpailun voittanut luonnos, Emil Wikström
3D-skannauksen video, Marja Konttinen
Stained glass sun
Ain' yhä ajattelevi
This statue portrays Väinämöinen pondering. The name comes from Kalevala:
Kalevala - Seitsemästoista runo
Vaka vanha Väinämöinen, kun ei saanunna sanoja
tuolta Tuonelan ko'ista, Manalan ikimajoista,
ain' yhä ajattelevi, pitkin päätänsä pitävi,
mistäpä sanoja saisi, loisi lempiluottehia.
Scan by Marja Konttinen. For free use.