The artist talks about the birth of the Spirit of the Forest

François Blosseville, Spirit of the Forest. You can find this lovely environmental art on the Kiekonlenkki route, in Sanginsuu village, Oulu. Photo: Riitta Johanna Laininen.

François Blosseville

The sculpture appeared in its space one morning, eggs emerged through the forest floor, some having already hatched, giving life to some unknown creature.

The creature grows bigger every day and derives its nourishment exclusively from the carbon dioxide in the air. If you listen very carefully, you can hear it breathe, and if you dare, you can even stroke it gently and feel it moving.

The Spirit of the Forest combines my artistic work, the forest, and natural materials. The trees were born in Sanginsuu; in falling they have become sculptures. In time, they will pass away in the place they were born.

SPIRIT OF THE FOREST, environmental art, François Blosseville, wood, branches, metal frames (2025). François Blosseville was assisted by artist Johanna Häiväoja.

The work is located along the Kiekonlenkki trail. Departure is from the parking lot of Kiekonmaja, Kiekonmajantie, Oulu.

Videos and photos: Satu Pietilä

François Blosseville. Photo Johanna Häiväoja.
Spirit of the Forest in winter night, November 2025.

On the video above, Sofia Åberg from the Institut Français de Finlande discussing with François Blosseville. Video: Raija Kallioinen.

The organisers of the Sanginkontu art trails

The art trails have been designed in accordance with the principles of sustainable development

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