On Wednesday, January 17, Posti will issue three new stamp publications with a total of 11 different stamp designs.
“This year, the Valentine’s Day stamps feature flowers. You can pick stamps in cheerful pastel shades for spring greetings. The refreshing stamp, depicting a strawberry, sums up the taste of summer in one image,” says Tommi Kantola, Design Manager at Posti, who is responsible for selecting the artists for the stamps and for providing guidance on the artistic work.
Floral beauty in different shades of friendship
This time, the traditional Valentine’s Day stamps will feature flowers photographed by Ilona Pietiläinen. In abundant floral images, Pietiläinen has captured the various shades of friendship, ranging from deep to warm.
“Flowers can only lift your mood, and it was a pleasure to photograph such a wide range of flowers for the stamps.The stamp design process with its different stages was an interesting new experience.”
Pietiläinen likes Valentine’s Day.
“Behind Valentine’s Day is a beautiful and genuine idea. I think Valentine’s Day could be celebrated every day of the year. Even in everyday situations, it’s worth telling and showing a friend that they matter to you.”
Ilona Pietiläinen has published several photo books, taken photos for lifestyle magazines and worked for a long time as, for example, a card artist for Karto.
“I want to photograph the life around me. Capturing memorable moments is a wonderful feeling. I like to embark on new adventures with my camera. On Instagram, I post photos that have their own stories.”
The Blossoming Friendship stamp sheet’s 10 stamps contain five different domestic no-value indicator stamp designs. Paula Salviander is responsible for the graphic design of the stamps.
Pastel-colored spring dreams
Jenni Tuominen has illustrated spring stamps for Posti that are suitable for various greetings throughout the year. The pastel-colored stamps featuring animals, flowers and people convey the joy of spring. The graphic design of the stamps is by Studio Jenni & Jukka.
Designing the spring stamps was an enjoyable assignment for Tuominen.
“I drew several dozen black-and-white proposals, five of which made it to the final stretch. I made further edits to the illustrations before I started thinking about the color scheme, which became cute enough to bring joy and positivity to the stamps. I hope that the stamps convey the feeling of happiness that I experienced when I was making them.”
For Jenni Tuominen, spring means a new beginning, as winter comes to an end and nature awakens to a new bloom.
“I look forward to going to my cottage every spring to see what’s going on in the garden. I don’t always even remember what I planted in the fall, and I look forward to seeing what wonderful surprises emerge from the ground. The first daffodils and tulips are especially delightful.”
Tuominen has been creating printed designs for Marimekko since 2006. She received the State Award for Illustration in 2017. Right now, Tuominen is particularly enthusiastic about ceramics. There is also a growing interest in Tuominen’s work in the Asian market.
The Spring Dreams stamp sheet’s 10 stamps contain five different domestic no-value indicator stamp designs.
Strawberry is the taste of summer
In January, a strawberry-themed stamp designed by Klaus Welp will also be issued. The refreshing, simple and timeless stamp conveys a familiar summer taste.
Klaus Welp has made a long career with stamps. With the latest Taste of Summer stamp, he has designed a total of 115 stamps for Posti since 2008.
“Stamps are a great institution and small works of art. Stamps have strengthened Finland’s positive identity over the years, including culture, environmental themes and tolerance,” Welp says.
Klaus Welp is a multi-talented visual artist, whose job description consists of the work of a graphic designer, illustrator, photographer and director. His illustrations have been featured in many Finnish newspapers and magazines. He has also actively participated in the projects of several NGOs, including Greenpeace. Welp is also known for his subvertising activities between 2005 and 2017.
The Taste of Summer stamp sheet has 10 domestic no-value indicator stamps.
First day event at Helsinki Main Post Office on January 17, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The first day event for the January stamps will be held on Wednesday, January 17, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Helsinki Main Post Office (Elielinaukio 2 F, 00100 Helsinki).
New stamps, first day covers and other stamp products will be sold at the event, and visitors can get first day postmarks on their items. The stamp artists will be present to sign their works from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Welcome!
Image material: https://digilibrary.emmi.fi/l/KNGHZHQm5PCX
All stamps available for sale are featured in Posti’s online shop: shop.posti.fi/en