New Show”Into The Woods” at Harvest Gallery, Oct.11-Nov.9, 2025 (scan code to see the show)

Douglas and I will be in Wolfville at the Harvest Gallery on Oct.11th 11am-4pm for the opening reception. Please come by, say hello and enjoy the show.
You can scan the qr code to see the show.

Into The Woods is a collaboration between fibre artist Sanna Rahola and her husband, wood carver Douglas Drdul. Inspired by a shared love and respect for tuohi—the Finnish word for birch bark—this body of work is a tribute to the forest, its materials, and the traditions rooted in it.
Strong, beautiful, and deeply connected to Sanna’s Finnish heritage, birch bark has long been used to create both functional objects and expressive art. “We are moved by the creativity of those who came before us—people who made rucksacks, shoes, bottles, and even instruments to carry their stories, all from the trees around them.”
In Finland, the woods are more than just a landscape—they are a sanctuary. For Sanna, the forest is a place of regulation and calm, a quiet refuge where one can feel safe and grounded. “It is where we go to collect our thoughts.” This personal and cultural connection to the forest deeply informs the spirit of her work.
Douglas was drawn to the quiet strength and beauty of birch bark during his time in Finland. His deep respect for the material is evident in his careful harvesting practices, always prioritizing the health of the tree. His passion for wood shines through in every piece he creates, from carved panels to one-of-a-kind wooden books bound in their original bark.
Sanna approaches her fibre work as if painting with wool, layering hand-dyed fibres, silk, and linen to create depth, light, and texture. Her process is intuitive and grounded in traditional fibre techniques and a close relationship with the natural world.
What began as Douglas crafting wooden frames to support Sanna’s fibre pieces has evolved into a fully collaborative process. “Works are created side by side, forming one unified expression of our connection to nature.”
This body of work is a celebration of the forest and all who live within it—the trees, the creatures, and the traditions passed down through generations. Into The Woods is both a return and a remembrance: an invitation to step into the forest and find stillness, connection, and meaning.