Postcards Teemu Järvi

Finnish illustrator Teemu Järvi finds the motifs for his prints and calendars on forays through his densely wooded homeland. In contrast to scientific depictions, he draws wild and domestic animals as he himself perceives them in what is usually only a very brief moment of encounter. In doing so, he removes them completely from their surroundings and concentrates on both their external appearance and their nature. This purely subjective approach results not only in an equally subjective rendering, but also in a component that cannot be explained rationally and that represents the character of the animals.

Järvi also concentrates on the elementary in his choice of drawing tools: He draws exclusively with black ink and self-made drawing pens, which he cuts from reeds (not bamboo, as is usually the case). The use of natural materials is also an expression of his deep connection with Finnish nature, which has been both a creative cosmos and a haven of peace for Järvi since childhood - and all the more important and valuable for the adult city dweller.