Finland. Riostomatti Ratia. 2017.
The Finnish archipelago. Photo: Janis Kravis.
Photo: Guntar Kravis.
Photo: Guntar Kravis.
Photo: Guntar Kravis.
Photo: Guntar Kravis.
From Stockholm we flew over Åland into Helsinki, took a cab to our hotel, The Radisson Aleksanteri Hotel, Helsinki. After registering,the receptionist informed us that there was a message for us from BRAND RATIA. We had planned to check in around 2 p.m. and then to proceed to Ristomatti's showroom and studio. The message was; "Mr Ratia is having a nap, and we are to come to his office at 5:30". This gave us a chance to also have a bit of a rest and at the appointed time we took an uber to Risto's studio. We were met by the chief designer Eeva Mela, who showed us around and informed us that Ristomatti was on his way.
Janis and Ristomatti. Photo: Guntar Kravis.
The first thing he said was " Janis, you have lost so much weight". We had not seen each other for over twenty years.
Photo: Guntar Kravis.
Photo: Guntar Kravis.
Photo: Guntar Kravis.
From the showroom we walked half a block to the harbour and took a ferry to the Yacht Club, where we enjoyed a Finnish meal. A lot of memories, and stories.
Photo: Guntar Kravis.
Ristomatti's apartment is right on the water and overlooks a small island and sailboats as well as the large ferry ships that sail between Sweden and Helsinki. Risto is a collector and his apartment is jammed full of paintings, sculptures, books, models of cars and cartoon characters.
Photo: Guntar Kravis.
