Wind, 2023

Mia Hamari's primary material is wood. While studying at the Academy of Fine Arts, she was introduced to woodcarving at an event held in Hertonäs Manor Park in 1999. She continued her work after returning from Helsinki to her home region in Simo, or "the River."

She likes carving wood because it can be done almost anywhere without special protective gear or equipment. She also appreciates the non-toxic nature of the work and the scent of the material.

Soft pine is Mia Hamari's favourite wood and the material she uses most in her works. Additionally, she uses birch and spruce. She specifically prefers crafting with aged wood due to its firmness. Fresh wood can crack as it dries. The cracks don't bother her, but she occasionally patches them by filling them or covering the gaps with a wood burl, for instance.

She sources material for her sculptures from neighbours and friends who tip her off about felled trees. Often, logs that are too massive for other purposes are perfect for her creations.