Here at Slowdown Studio we love collaborating with emerging and established artists from across the globe. We recently had the opportunity to chat with Lotta Maija, the artist behind the new Cooper Throw Blanket. Lotta is a Finland based artist recognised for her vivid use of colour, organic floral and fruit motifs and bold compositions. Her work combines playfulness with a sweet, yet striking aesthetic.
Who do you think is the most exciting emerging creative in your city?
There are so many inspirational creatives in Helsinki so it’s difficult to choose just one. My current favourite is Sanni Havas (@sannihavas), an artist and designer who works with ceramics and glass exploring the world of cuteness and girliness. Making softness strong one whimsical artwork at a time.
Where are your favourite places to go in your city?
In summer time I love to go for a morning swim in the Helsinki Swimming Stadium. It’s a place where people go to hang out for the whole day but in the early mornings the atmosphere is calm and relaxing, a little bit magical even. After the swim I eat breakfast at the summer kiosk in front of the stadium; oat porridge, boiled egg and a coffee. 
@lottamaija × @mito_saloncafe collaboration cookie boxes in Helsinki (@way_bakery )
What advice would you give to a younger version of yourself when you were starting out in art?
Just start, just try. I’ve spent so much time oversthinking and procrastinating. I would say to my younger self it’s better to just start and try. I’m thinking of the meme “the more you fuck around, the more you find out”, it would have been encouraging when I was in my early twenties. 
What are you listening to in your studio at the moment?
My absolute favourite quilty pleasure is classical salsa, reggaeton and other Latin tunes. Currently I’m playing the following songs on repeat. They sit (or dance) well with the summer vibes.
Le Plena - W sound 05 (W Sound, Beéle, Ovy on the drums)
Pa’l Bailador (Joe Arroyo, La Verdad)
Cumbia Kikuchi (Greenwood Rhythm Coalition)
To balance the latin vibes I also listen electronic pop and my current favourite is
Fio Maravilha (Nicoletta, Bon Entendeur)
Cooper Throw Blanket by Lotta Maija
What inspired your design for this latest blanket design?
This blanket design represents my style well. I’m always illustrating flowers and fruits in varying arrangement compositions. In my mind three dimensional flowers and fruits turn into flat surfaces that are stacked on top of each other, like in between thin sheets of glass. It’s all about the balance of different elements, sizes and movement or stillness.
What's your favorite way to slow down?
Bathing in sento (public bath) in Japan.
I’ve lived in Japan twice and bathing is one of my favourite parts of Japanese culture. In Finland we have a strong sauna culture but I enjoy bathing in the Japanese way much more. It’s absolutely the best way to slow down and relax before going to bed. Nowadays it’s more common to have your own bathtub at home than to go to a public bath, but I love the ritual of walking to the nearest sento in the evening and bathing with the same local grannies every evening.
What's the most memorable book you've read in the last few years?
I love Agatha Christie’s detective novels with all my heart. Especially the ones which are not part of the Ms. Marple nor Hercule Poirot series. I love the mystery of them and how Christie is the GOAT of scene setting.
What has been the happiest/most rewarding moment of your art career?
Probably the moment when I was asked to design Patterns for Marimekko. It had been my dream since the early stage of my textile design studies and I did not believe it would come true so early in my career. Recently my other dream has also come true as I’ve been able to work and collaborate with Japanese clients more. 本当にありがとう！
How does living in your city influence your work? Is there anything about your city that has defined how or what you create?
I live in Helsinki, Finland which is affecting my work a lot. Finland is located in the northern Europe and I see the year as two halves, the halve of light and the halve of darkness. In other words summer and winter. During summer I feel very active, there is a lot of light, the nature is in full bloom and all the colors are vivid, and I have a lot of creative energy. I’m walking and biking around the city and documenting blooming flower in my phones memory. Unfortunately winter follows summer and in Helsinki (in southern Finland) it takes time before the snow comes and is very grey and dark. The little amount of natural light affects creativity as well. My dream is to spend longer times abroad during winter in order to maintain the creative energy on a good level.
What are you most excited/looking forward to this year?
I feel like this year is a turning point for me. I’m going to finish my thesis and graduate as Master of Arts by the end of the year. At the same time I’m trying to develop my artistic practice so I could live from it.
Instagram: @lottamaija
Website: https://lottamaija.bigcartel.com
