Finnish artist Liisa Hietanen crochets one-to-one imitations of her friends and fellow neighbors, accurately representing the subjects from their favorite outfits down to their pets. The series “Villagers” is a way for the artist to more deeply engage with those she often passes but might not interact with in her hometown.
“I meet my models in natural everyday situations,” she explains in an artist statement on her website. “The process of choosing a model is intuitive. The person depicted might be someone I meet in the library, in the locker room of the gym, or walking their dog on the way home. I don’t know most of my models beforehand but as the process goes on I get to know them.”
The slow, methodical style of her yarn-based craft works to counteract the pace of life, and also reflect the patience needed to get to know and understand another individual. The accuracy of her works to their origin subject is never the focus, but rather how she is able to get to know the person as she takes the time to build their perfect double.
After completing each new work it is displayed somewhere public so the piece can engage in a deeper dialogue with the population of the town. Previous sculptures have been displayed at the local library, a flower shop, and a restaurant, however they also travel to contemporary art exhibitions.
It looks like crocheting is experiencing a global comeback with more and more creative projects gaining popularity, so Liisa Hietanen isn’t alone. We have previously featured Crocheted Cat Butt Coasters and Crocheted Tank Slippers, however Lissa’s project is by far the most complicated.
Wow, she’s good
Teets
Bewb-out mom is creepy AF. Like, all the others have sweet personalities, but that one chick’s defining trait is suckling a two-year-old.
Try: 6 month old. It happens, and it no one’s defining trait. The figures are amazing!
SUPER!
How is it “creepy” to have a “bewb out” feeding a child? It’s the most classically “artistic” piece, portraying a mother and child in life’s most natural interaction.
What’s wrong with you?
Creepy. I don’t like them.
She’s stealing their souls with those (admittedly marvelous) creations.
Wow I thought the last one was the real one on the right… But the real person was on the left
i want one
now this is amazin’
Ich finde die Arbeiten Mega