Ensio Seppänen
| Ensio Seppänen | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Born | September 7, 1924 Kemi |
| Died | June 28, 2008 (aged 83) Kemi |
| Nationality | Finnish |
| Occupation | Sculptor |
| Years active | 1950–2005 |
| Known for | Public sculptures, memorials |
Kauko Ensio Seppänen (September 7, 1924, in Kemi – June 28, 2008, in Kemi) was a Finnish sculptor, professor (1978) and sculpture pioneer in Lapland. He created a total of 127 public sculptures. On the occasion of his crafting more public sculptures than any other artist in Finland, the September 7, 1984 issue of Finnish newspaper Helsingin Sanomat bore the headline "Sculptor Ensio Seppänen, is a Finnish record man".
Seppänen was granted an artist's pension in 1985. He belonged to a small group of artists able to provide livelihoods for themselves and their families by their art without grants. He made his last public sculpture at the age of 81, in 2005. Seppänen's parents were the carpenter Kaarlo Seppänen, and Martta Seppänen (née Järvinen). He married Tyyne Seppänen (née Korhonen) in 1958. They have two children, Timo and Keijo.
Seppänen's sculptures are cast in bronze and granite, molded in various ways, and formatted with stainless steel welding. A characteristic feature of the sculptures is that the accessories and tools have a historically correct look. Most of the works are custom orders. In addition to public works, he had made a limited number of tomb sculptures, reliefs, memorial stone plans, portraits, medals, plaques and figurines for individuals, as well as designed sports and NGO flags and hand programs. Many of his sculptures are associated with war memorials and historic events. His memorial sculpture Kvenmonumentet (Immigrant's Monument) in Vadsø, Norway, was unveiled in 1977 before three heads of state: the Norwegian and Swedish kings and the President of Finland. Most of Seppänen's monuments are located in the north of Finland, Sweden and Norway.
A multi-talented artist, he designed and drew 13 buildings, some of which are located in Sweden, and was involved in the design of the Dunder 2060 snowmobile. He also designed and built his family caravan. In his spare time, he made a variety of furniture and implements as well as a snow tractor. He was Kemi City Theatre's set designer from 1959–1965.
Seppänen studied at The Finnish Art Academy School at the Ateneum from 1946–1949 and the Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze in Italy 1956–1957, he also appeared as an assistant in the film Souvenir d'Italie (1957), which starred Vittorio de Sica.
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