Not many weekends left now for endless walkabouts before the summer heat kicks in, so making the most of it while we can. Having tried some barefooted daytime dune walking in May on our first year here, I know not to make the same mistake again. I recently read about someone having been up near an active volcano in such scorching heat that trees practically burst on fire – and another commented, ‘This is nothing, you should try a summer in Dubai’. Although, having spent the first half of my life in freezing northly minus grades, I believe there’s still enough chill in my bones to last a few more Dubai summers yet. When no one else wants to sit outside on a restaurant terrace in mid-July as you can hardly catch your breath from the heat, you might still spot one brave Finn out there. But dunes… I’ll leave those for next winter.

I realised I’ve not yet posted any images of our local cafe. It’s not that I’d be taking this one for granted, no. Still three years on, I enjoy this place just as much. Like I’ve said before, whether one likes the style over here or not, isn’t particularly relevant. What I admire, is the attention to detail – that someone cares to make a place like this. Just as much that I like a normal cozy corner cafe, it’s different kind of wonderful to relax in grandeur like this.

For those of you who might want to head for a cuppa in this beautiful Starbucks, it’s located in Dubai’s Ibn Battuta Mall, in its ‘Persia Court’. It’s also worth finding out about the explorer Ibn Battuta, who is the Arabian equivalent of Marco Polo. This mall bearing his name is themed around his travels, therefore you find areas such as ‘China Court’, ‘India Court’ and ‘Egypt Court’ among others, all paying equally stunning attention to the details of their interiors.

For me, as a child, it was growing up near the sea and the forest that left its deepest impression within me for life. It is different now for our little ones. I’m so happy to have similarly strong natural surroundings to take them to which in turn will no doubt leave an impression deep within them. This time it’ll just be the desert and the mountains instead. But the call of the dunes is palpable – only five, she quietly gazes towards the horizon, whispers “Beautiful…” and takes off. Just walks, walks straight ahead, not looking back, just walks. And I have no other option than to follow. I have no doubt, she would just carry on walking, such is the determination in her step. Up and down, over the dunes, into the future…

What amazes me time and again is how beautifully this place is always lit up when it’s dark. Spot lights on palm trees, small sparkles of light in the nooks and crannies of buildings. Walking around the souk Madinat Jumeirah in the tastefully lit up dark is always atmospheric. One of my most favourite evening spots. And now that winter starts to be over and we’re heading to the scorching summer once more, night time will be soon again the only time to go out.

The beautiful mountains of Hatta are only just over an hour’s drive away for us. The peculiar water-shaped rocks of Hatta Pools are a lovely area for a picnic and a paddle. On the way, might even pass some baby camels…

Burj al Arab fireworks, stunning as ever. I’m looking forward to this brand new year with great excitement and know it in my bones it’s going to be very special. I wish you all an inspired, uplifting year ahead! (Jan10)

There’s a hidden treasure of a place in the basement of Wafi Mall, Souk Khan Murjan, a modern-made traditional souk (‘Bazaar’ is the word many might recognise better) where no effort has been spared when it comes to decorative details. One might argue that this shiny brand new place lacks the charm of the real old souks but for an artist like myself who creates by visual details, this place is just beautiful. I don’t compare it to the old – like I don’t compare the musty leather bindings of the past to the contemporary designer bindings created these days. Some of this place might be over the top, but just the plain fact that someone goes through such trouble to create a space like this nowadays, is wonderful. It is meant to offer artisan made traditional Arabian arts and crafts. The real shame then is that an increasing amount of these little charming shops are going empty and looks like half of the beautiful heavy wooden doors are shut permanently. I assume the rent is way too high for the footfall there should be to bring in any sales. It is sad to see as this place in particular would be more than ideal to create a buzzling modern artist market in Dubai. Would be great to see something individual and different sold here, as every mall sells the same wares and brands. Although the monthly Arte Souk in Times Square Mall is doing well, all in all contemporary designer crafts have not found their way to Dubai yet, not the way they’re represented in London and the UK in general for example. Hopefully one day… (Dec09)

I’m having this eternal quest to capture the pastel hue moment that occurs just before sunset. But I won’t. Maybe it’s even better that way. Winter is nearly here and it’s possible to stay outside again without melting. So plenty of time to go and see the real thing whenever I wish. (Dec09)

It may still be rather hot but since it has been way too long since our last visit to the dunes, we thought to bear the heat and go anyway. It’s always such a treat, away from the city, like another world. There’s a luxurious desert resort called Bab al Shams, with just the best roof terrace where to lounge and watch the sun go down behind the dunes. But the best of all is just to run up and down the sand waves until out of breath. (Oct09)

It’s not often nowadays that I choose to swap my precious evening hours in the atelier to a bar instead. I had never visited Buddha Bar in Dubai, although had heard it to be very nice. What an understatement… I was blown away. And applaud the interior designers as I don’t think it’s possible to get it any more right. A blissful place to spend an evening. (Sept09)

On the last day in Finland, we enjoyed an afternoon in the forest where there’s a nature trail and a sculpture park “Edvininpolku”. All the sculptures are made by Edvin Hevonkoski, a sheet-metal worker who started to make these wonderful works of art in 1982, after retiring. There are over one hundred pieces dotted along the forest path. Whereas some call this “outsider art”, to me it’s every bit valid as simply art. Incredibly wonderful works in natural surroundings, I aim to visit every year.
More photos can be seen in: Edvin Hevonkoski’s Image Gallery. (Aug09)

English weather has been kind to us this week. Looking up to the sunny sky, the edge of the architectural horizon has caught my eye this time – the “ancientness” of everything, the energy of centuries past is very present. This year also marks the 800th anniversary of the University of Cambridge. Just imagining what it was like to stroll these streets in those early years. Knowing how books were made and regarded those days somehow feels to connect me very closely with that era. (Aug09)

A short drive towards the archipelago coast in Köklot has this amazing shoreline, to which photographs just don’t do justice. Evergreens reaching the sky, rough rocks sharply diving down towards the sea. It was raining, the scenery was fresh and the meditative visit cleared my mind and heart.

The time to leave Finland came earlier than I had planned. It is likely I won’t be seeing my peaceful childhood beach for some while now, so these evening images will travel with me. (Aug09)

Travelled back in time by visiting the open air museum of Stundars on the west coast of Finland. It brings to life how people in this area used to live. On the day of our visit 40 makers were demonstrating their crafts, from weaving and basketry to leatherwork and blacksmithing. Stundars also offers artist residencies for international artists, so if ever wishing to create in this inspiring environment, check out Ateljé Stundars. (Aug09)

It’s possible there’s nothing better than boating in the scenery of this archipelago. There are so many islands I wonder how people find their way back. This, to me, is what summer is about. (Jul09)

Forgetting the pesky mosquitoes and the little too long rainy spells, it’s really quite pleasant to stroll around in my native surroundings again. Revelling in the freshness of the scenery, soaking in the colours and details… a relaxing holiday indeed. (Jul09)

Twilight cuts the edge off the day’s scorching heat and it’s a pleasure to take a stroll around the pond near where we live. Darkness falls quickly. Very shortly we’ll be enjoying the still light nights in Finland. But I will miss the heat, I really will. (Jul09)

The other night I stole a moment for a quiet evening walk to indulge in my quick fix visual inspiration. And found among the snaps these notes dancing in the air. Wish I was musical enough to “hear” this picture.

The way I work, at its best, always involves an element of surprise even to myself. If I already knew exactly what the end result will be, there’d be no reason for me to make the piece – it would already “exist”. I crave the unexpected, I suppose. Thrive on it. So for me, the quickest way to get this surprising result is to snap away and paint with light. Maybe childishly simple but works for me. I then examine the composition, quality of line, hues of colour… And am refreshed. (May09)

Another summer is approaching. Only a year ago I remember the start of the rising temperatures and thinking how should have made the most of the cool weather earlier. And here I am again, wondering why we didn’t see more and do more outside and further afield while it was still below +35C… Now the next opportunity is months away again. But, as with cold winters, one adapts and learns to do things suited to the climate. So it’ll be again. Life outside starts after sunset. (Apr09)

The world’s tallest building Burj Dubai rises pretty much into infinity when you try to tilt your neck enough to see where it ends, if at all. I’ve heard it was meant to be 10 per cent taller than the then world’s tallest building, but ended up being 40 per cent taller. Indeed, why not go for it properly once you start.

It is rather funny really, that by the world’s tallest building is now also the world’s largest fountain, next to which is the world’s largest shopping mall, inside which is the world’s largest aquarium. (Apr09)

Art Dubai 2009 was on for the third year and as before, I found it incredibly inspiring and varied in terms of artwork on show. To be able to see so many talented artists’ work from this part of the world in one huge space is fabulous. And as often, also this exhibition had a few gems above the rest that just grabbed me so that I could have stayed the whole day in front of those few pieces just taking it all in…
And on we went to Bastakiya Art Fair too, where the labyrinth of small galleries was hiding further discoveries.

The area never tires me and as much as the art, I’m inspired by the details and architecture. (Mar09)

Posts about the daily life probably should include a mention about the two lovelies that push my bookbinding hours mostly to when the rest of the house is sleeping. Occasionally the older one is entertaining herself next to me when I’m working on a book while she likes to “organise” the contents of the myriad boxes in the atelier. She has already completed two single section books herself too. But says of the more complicated bindings: “If I was a Mommy, I could do those too.” I’m sure she doesn’t have to wait that long. Also the younger one in his lounger keeps staring quite intently whatever I do at the work bench – as long as I keep chatting to him, mostly telling a running commentary on what I’m up to, be it folding paper or dying thread. Don’t want to bore them too much with it though, so they only get glimpses of the atelier for now. (Mar09)

While getting from one place to another, en route, there’s often some beautiful scenery whizzing by. No time to stop for too long, so picking up the moments in the camera lets me spend more time in those fast moving moments, afterwards. (Feb09)

By far my favourite place to spend a weekend day is the old Bastakiya area, with its charming art galleries and the sort of atmosphere that’s difficult to come across anywhere else in this city. There’s something very real about it. I’m glad it’s here. Wandering around the place, in a very good old-fashioned way “recharges my batteries”. (Feb09)

There’s something about the traditional Arab wind towers that I just can’t leave them alone. Need to snap a photo every time I walk past one, it seems. Guess it’s one of those things that lets me “time travel” in this otherwise very modern environment. (Feb09)

Merry Christmas to everyone whether spending it in the snowy north or the sunny south. And for the new year of 2009 ~ may the most you wish for be the least you get! *Happy holidays* (Dec08)

A few days ago our family grew with one lovely member, making us four. Bookbinding is obviously on hold for the time being as we just sigh and stare, and try to catch a glimpse of an open eye. This sleepy head is very calm and relaxed little boy in comparison to his somewhat, erm, energetic big sister. (Dec08)

As one member in the family cannot get enough of horses, every now and then we venture into some stables, this time seeing the handsome creatures at the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club. Although riding wasn’t in the agenda, just strolling around in the gentle sunshine was pleasant – after all, the weather these days is better than one could hope for after the scorching summer. Feeling a bit smug in fact while it’s getting dismally dark, damp and cold in Northern Europe… (Nov08)

For the first time ventured into the snowy curiosity of Ski Dubai, in the middle of a shopping centre. And whilst it was nice to breathe in some cool air and for the little one to make a few snow balls, it certainly is just that, an indoor curiosity, to be visited only once if that. Brought a smile to my face, though – under 3s are not allowed in because… “it’s too cold!” at -2C degrees. I wonder how under 3s cope winters in Finland, for what I know they don’t get shipped out of the country for those months of -30C… (Oct08)

I recently read somewhere a notion that “You’ve lived in the UAE too long when you start following the phases of the moon.” But as this year’s Ramadan is drawing to a close and the Moon Sighting Committee will announce the start of Eid Al Fitr very shortly, I wanted to add this little widget here just for the fun of it. In fact, I wanted to add it in the left side column as a permanent feature, but cannot as of yet figure out the resulting parse error and Wordpress shunning div-tags – but for now, happy Eid for all those who celebrate it! (Sept08)

CURRENT MOON

about the moon