About


 Artist and Printmaker Maarit Hanninen

 

Hi, I’m Maarit Hänninen, a printmaker and artist from Finland, now based in the Netherlands. My work is inspired by nature, animals, and folk art traditions, which I bring to life through my linocut and woodcut prints. Each piece is designed and carved by hand, making my art prints truly unique and available in limited editions.

My artistic journey wasn’t always straightforward. I didn’t discover my creative side until later in life, but when I did, it changed everything. I was first introduced to traditional printmaking techniques during my studies at Liminka Art School in Finland, and I fell in love with the multidisciplinary nature of block printing. It took time and persistence to build my confidence and turn art into a career, but now I feel incredibly fortunate to spend my days carving, inking, pressing, and creating something meaningful to share with others.

Printmaking helps me find peace and focus, especially when I’m carving. It’s a meditative experience, and I often lose track of time while I’m in the zone. But the best part is always pulling that first print. After spending days or weeks on the design and carving, seeing the piece come to life, and having it turn out as I imagined (or even better), is the most rewarding feeling.

I also know that printmaking is a bit of a mystery to many people, so I’ve created videos to show the relief printing process. Many find them relaxing to watch, and they offer a glimpse into what makes each print so special. Seeing the process helps the viewers to feel a connection to the art and understand the story behind it. You can watch my videos on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.

Thank you for taking the time to explore my work and bringing a little bit of my creative world into your own.

❤︎
Printmaker's work space with an etching press and a print drying rack
Linocut printing bloc next to linocut shavings and carving tools
Pile of hand-carved linocut printing blocs