Journal

Kalevala Muse

Laila Lindqvist

In our Kalevala Muse article series, we interview interesting people and delve into the stories behind their favourite jewelry.

This time we interviewed Laila Lindqvist, a Helsinki-based photographer, stylist, and creative whose style combines modern minimalism and colorful playfulness.

Hello Laila! How are you doing? What have you been up to lately?

I'm feeling very good today. I have recently moved into a new place and been settling in and decorating our new home. I've also spent time outdoors recreating myself, met lovely people and worked on fun projects.

All in all I'm feeling very grateful: I have been able to enjoy the springtime and the beginning of summer. I have a beautiful new home and, at times, peace of mind.

What kind of things do you find meaningful for you and what do you dream about currently?

I find most meaningful the things and activities where I can somehow be of help and have a positive impact in making the world a better place. Beautiful things, moments, words, the nature. I've become quite good in finding meaning and joy even in the simple, ordinary things in life.

Could you tell us more about your work as a photographer? How did you start and what do you like most about it?

I started to photograph around the time when the first digital cameras came to the market. I think I was inspired by my father who photographed a lot throughout my childhood.

I got my first camera in 2017. I learned to use it with the help of a few online courses and evening classes and I practiced mostly by photographing my children. With kids you learn fast because you need to work on their terms and be very quick. After photographing my kids I got my first client, Zara, for which I photographer children's clothing at home during the pandemic because we couldn't fly to Spain for the photoshoots. I learned a lot about photography during that time.

As a photographer you get to be in the role of the observer which suits me well. What I love about it the most is that I somehow when looking through the lense, I loose my analytical sense and enjoy being in that state.

"When creating a look I prefer not to overthink it, but rather prioritise feeling and comfort."

You have a colorful and playful style. Where do you get your inspiration from?

It's hard to say precisely, but I guess as an observer my subconscious stores and processes a big part of what I see, feel and experience. When creating a look I prefer not to overthink it, but rather prioritise feeling and comfort. I often have one piece of clothing I'm crazy about and then I create a look around it that reflects my mood of the day, is balanced enough but preferably has some contrast to it.

What kind of role does jewelry play in your life? What do you appreciate and look for in a piece of jewelry?

Jewelry adds the final touch to my look and is the perfect example of how much a single detail can affect an entire look.

I often accidentally go by Coco Chanel's rule “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory”. I very easily get the feeling of wearing too much. I would like to be bolder about it because I love seeing other people wearing a lot of jewelry. I like choosing jewelry that balance or elevate my looks.

I really appreciate design and skilled hand-making in jewelry. It's also important to me to hear the story behind the jewelry, like with all Kalevala pieces.

Which Kalevala pieces are your favourites? If you were to gift a Kalevala piece which one would it be and who would you gift it to?

My favourites are the Maiden of the North and Summer Night rose jewelry series. I think they combine nature and both traditional and modern Finnish culture beautifully together. Additionally, I love the the simplicity of the Kosmos which has become another favourite of mine. I find it so inspiring how Kalevala's jewelry series are built around mystical and mythological stories in an innovative and modern way.

I would love to gift my therapist a piece from the Maiden of the North series as a thank you as well as a way to show her the powerful woman I see in her. I would also gift something from the Kosmos series to my sister who works for the environment and who I wish would show herself some grace and gratitude.