In 2006 I spent five months studying in Lathi, Finland (Lahti University of Applied Science). I was impressed by the way in which Finnish designers often referenced their own heritage and culture and also by the high standard of facilities provided in the college itself. But most of all it was the first time that I had experienced the extreme Finnish weather, a sharp contrast to the mild wet Irish winters. The white brooch shown here is one of a series of three which were made in response to the severe frost I witnessed. The elegance and beauty of the Finnish winter made a strong impression on me and this work is made in homage to it.