KRISTIAN SAARIKORPI (1970–) graduated from the Lahti Institute of Design in 1996 and his professional skills earned him the title of master goldsmith in 1999. The Finnish Association of Goldsmiths awarded him the distinction of Goldsmith of the Year at its centennial seminar in 2005.
Saarikorpi is known as an extremely skilled goldsmith with a command of both traditional goldsmithing skulls and computer-assisted methods. He is known in Finland as a trailblazer of modern technologies in goldsmithing, including the use 3D printing with traditional craftsmanship as its basis.
Saarikorpi has also made jewellery in other materials than traditional precious metals, e.g. plywood of thin layers. Together with his spouse Kirsti Doukas, he has developed a jewellery collection boldly combining authentic precious stones with 3D-printed polyamide plastic. Saarikorpi has also applied 3D technology in the computer-assisted working of various materials such as PLA and polyamide plastics, wax, resins, plywood and steel.
Kristian Saarikorpi lives and works in Fiskars Village and is a member of the ONOMA Cooperative of Artisans, Designers and Artists in Fiskars.
Photo: Ilkka Ärrälä
