Although she originally hails from Finland, Pirkko Karvonen has become one of Canada's well known artists. She has lived here since 1951 when she, her parents and her sister immigrated to Canada from Finland. Since that time, she has made significant contributions to the local and global cultural and artistic communities. Beginning her artistic career as a textile artist, she has enjoyed a solid reputation as one of Alberta's most talented and prolific textile artist. Her award-winning works have been displayed in countries all over the world, and are enjoyed in public, corporate and private collections alike, including the permanent collection at the Alberta Foundation for the Arts. She is the recipient of the Edmonton Salute to Excellence Award for Artistic Excellence as well as the Immigration Award for her contribution to Fine Arts. Pirkko was a teacher of weaving and consultant with Alberta Cure (Gov't of Alberta) Visual Arts Branch for over 30 years. Her area was from Red Deer to northern Alberta. She also taught weaving, spinning, quilting, Finnish Language at evening classes for some thirty years with the Continuing Education in Edmonton and also around twenty years weaving, spinning and other crafts with the Sherwood Park Recreation Department. At the same time she also branched out to teaching at international conferences. She has started the Strathcona County Weavers, Handweavers, Spinners and Dyers of Alberta and Tablet Weavers International Studies and Techniques.

In the mid-seventies, Pirkko branched out into filmmaking as she and her husband Albert founded Karvonen Films in 1976. This joint venture has achieved considerable success with the production of over 100 wildlife and nature documentaries. Throughout this time, Pirkko's invaluable contributions have included working as camera assistant, stills photographer, cinematographer, writer and associate producer . Turning her attentions towards producing, Pirkko has taken the opportunity to apply her background, knowledge and expertise to the exploration of her Finnish roots. The making of The People of Sointula marks the fruition of a lifelong interest in this unique Utopian community.

As a woman with a lifetime of experiences behind her, in this exhibition , Searching for Myself , she now identifies her drive with idealism, strength and tenacity as she explores her ethnic background and life experiences through the use of linen and wool, birch bark, paper yarn and natural materials. Pirkko's own determination, drive and belief in the power of dreams are reflected back to her in textile work and in her films.

All of the pieces in this exhibition are for sale and purchases can be made by contacting the Alberta Craft Council. email: acc@albertacraft.ab.ca Tel: (780) 488-6611 toll free in Alberta: 1-800-362-7238

Come and visit us at
10186-106 Street
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada
T5J 1H4