Woolrealm

I am an artist

master craftsman - Elena Bondar

Art is a way of understanding the world and expressing its harmony, balance and love. It is a profound connection with the reality around us. I founded ELLUNHUOPA in 2011 to realise these themes in my felt art. My art focuses on ”magical realism”, connecting the visible world with hidden, invisible dimensions. This is not just my work, but my calling, through which I want to bring light and peace into the lives of others. I am grateful that my art can touch people and inspire them.

Here's a little story about myself:

I was born in the Ural Mountains of Russia into a family where crafts were very much present. My grandmothers were skilled in spinning, embroidery, crochet and sewing - and I have learned these skills myself over time. Since childhood, crafts have been close to my heart, and developing these skills led me to art school. Sport was also a big part of my life, and for over ten years I competed actively as an orienteer, taking part in European and world championships. In 2009, my life changed radically when I moved to Finland. I now live in Palonurmi, Kuopio, where I focus on arts and crafts, a combination of tradition and my own creativity.

How I fell in love with felting

In 2009, my son brought home a small felted heart from school, and this simple gesture opened the door to a whole new world for me. My interest was immediately piqued, and I started researching more about felting. Coincidentally, my mother came to visit and brought me a felting book as a gift, which ignited a real passion in me. Soon this art form became a profoundly enriching part of my life.

At that time, there was little information available about felting, so I had to learn a lot by experimenting myself. This process allowed me to develop my own techniques and unique style. During my pregnancy, I had time to delve into the secrets of felting. Gradually, I started creating slippers, hats, paintings and miniatures of animals. The endless possibilities of felting made it a beloved art form that still captures my heart. The secrets of felting began to open up to me, and I discovered how this art helped me to express a deep connection with the world.

The story of my development

My first commission came in 2009, a sauna hat, and although I was unsure at first, my desire to make something special for someone else overcame my fear. The customer was happy, which inspired me to continue. In the following years I made many hats, bags and phone cases.

In 2013 I was commissioned to make a dog portrait for a client. This opened up a whole new world for me and took my work to international markets. Today, my pet portraits are exhibited all over the world, bringing joy to many.

Art inspired by nature

My background as an athlete has given me a strong foundation in art. The discipline and focus I learned in sport have carried over into felting. Mastering technique is the key to unlocking creativity - once technique is mastered, only the imagination limits the possibilities. I want to share this knowledge through my felting classes, helping others find their own creative path.

ONLINE TRAINING

Why I do this work - wool art is not just art

Sometimes people ask me: ”Why are you doing this? Why wool, why craft?”

The answer is not just about aesthetics or a love of the material. It's not just about wanting to make beautiful images. It's about what happens inside - both in me and in those who look at my work or learn to make their own. Wool is gentle, but powerful. It doesn't scream, but it cares. When you sink your hands into the wool, your body calms down. When you see an animal you care about transformed into a work of art, your heart is moved. When you learn to create something meaningful with your own hands, a feeling is born: ”I can. I can.”

For me, it's not just about making art. It's a way for people to reconnect with themselves. To calm down, to be present, to see the importance of one's own life. To experience beauty even when the outside world is too demanding.

I've seen many times how people become sensitised when they look at finished work or when they do it themselves. It's no coincidence. Wool carries with it something original - a connection to nature, to a time when life was slower and hands mattered more.

That's why I'm doing this. That's why I want to share it with others - both as artworks and as teaching. If you're looking for strength in a gentle direction, you've come to the right place.

”If something is done, it must be done properly! ”

Elena Bondar

Training:

SCHOOL OF MUSIC

Novouralsk / 1988-1996.

SCHOOL OF ART

Novouralsk / 1993-1997.

HIGH SCHOOL PREPARATION FOR THE OLYMPICS

Ekaterinburg / Physical education and sports teacher / 1999-2002

RUSSIAN STATE UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION

Ekaterinburg / Physical education teacher / 2002-2007.

PIIPPOLA VOCATIONAL AND CULTURAL COLLEGE

Piippola / Handicrafts and arts, artisan / 2015 - 2017.

JYVÄSKYLÄ EDUCATION ASSOCIATION GRADIA

Master Craftsman, Specialist Qualification in Arts and Crafts / 2024 - 2025

Life blanket in the media:

Solo exhibition:

  • 2019 Between the roots, Boutique Hotel Sawohouse, Kuopio, Finland
  • 5-7.2024 Alternative Space exhibition at Lapinlahti railway station, Finland
  • 4-6.10.2024 The flowering of life, Break Sokos Hotel Tahko, Finland

Group show:

  • 2017, “Wool in Nature”, Gallery Frøya, Kalvåg, Norway
  • June 2022, virtual group exhibition ”DISCONNECT”, The Holy Art, London, United Kingdom
  • 7.22 virtual Exhibition ‘UNITY’, The Holy Art Gallery, London, United Kingdom
  • 2-8 SEPT 2022, exhibition ”ELSEWHERE”, The Holy Art Gallery, London, United Kingdom
  • 30.09.2023 Lahti, Sibelius Hall ”Magic Fairs”
  • 5.-28.10.2023 Online exhibition ”STORYTELLERS 2023” Las Laguna Art Gallery, California
  • 24.1.-22.3.2024 Online exhibition ”On being human and human being”. Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • 16.8.2024 ”The Past meets the Future” Art exhibition at the Festival of the Arts Nilsiä, Finland
  • 7.6.2025 ”Korpimetsän K kutsu”, Rautavaara, Finland

Contact

Contact me and let me know how I can help you! I want to hear your thoughts, questions or requests. I will try to reply to your message as soon as possible, so that together we can find the best solution for you. Thank you for contacting me!

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