See the baltic sea

JUKKA RAPO AND LAURI ROTKO
SEE THE BALTIC SEA

See the Baltic Sea is a photography book in which the Baltic Sea plays the main role. The sea is presented from two different perspectives by two different photographers: the underwater pictures by Jukka Rapo show the sea in its full grace and ugliness, while Lauri Rotko’s landscape pictures address the relationship between people and the sea. The book is published by Musta Taide, established in 1991 and specialized in publishing Finnish photography books. (www.mustataide.fi)

See the Baltic Sea will be published for Christmas 2013, and we invite You along to fund the book. In exchange for a donation of 40 euros, You will receive a copy of the book. See also the list of other donation rewards.

SEE THE BALTIC SEA

“I’ve been diving in the Baltic Sea for twenty years. The sea and its diversity have had a profound impact on me. While diving, I sometimes feel like I’m part of the sea. I’ve experienced the freedom underwater, entered the depths, felt the peace, sensed the strength of the sea, tasted and smelt it. I’ve been inside the sea”, photographer Jukka Rapo tells.

Photographers Jukka Rapo and Lauri Rotko began working on the book three years ago. They wanted to offer pictures of the real Baltic Sea and show the sea as they had experienced it.

“For me, the most impressive moments were during long-exposure shots. The shutter is open, light is painting a picture, haste is gone for a moment, and I’m standing silently before the sea. It feels like the sea could form a voice and speak to me”, Lauri Rapo tells.

The Baltic Sea is a people’s sea. The current state of its ecosystem is a result of people’s actions during the past century. The reason for the environmental problems of the Baltic Sea is ultimately very simple. The ecosystem of the shallow sea can’t handle the strain induced by humans. The amount of water in the sea is too low to cope with the stress it is under. Vulnerability is increased by the fact that the Baltic Sea is almost closed, so the water has a low turnover rate. The Baltic Sea basin is also home to approximately 85 million people. These factors have led to the current, very poor condition.

It was important for both photographers to present the Baltic Sea in its actual condition. Jukka Rapo didn’t always look for clear water, but also photographed when underwater visibility was close to zero. Lauri Rotko’s pictures don’t always allow the sea to show its best side either. His pictures often deal with the relationship between people and the sea.

Lauri Rotko mentions that you don’t always think about the condition of the sea when you are looking at it. “The sea is sick, but you don’t notice it from the shore. The wind blows, and the sun sets time and again into a beautiful marine landscape.”

Lauri Rotko and Jukka Rapo have photographed the Baltic Sea in each of its coastal states. The aim of this project is to create a better perception of our common sea. The goal is also to encourage people to stop and think about the fate of the sea, and understand the individual responsibility we all have for it. The creators of this book believe the sea can be saved. The book introduces the Baltic Sea with pictures and stories. 20 per cent of the book’s profit will be donated to the Baltic Sea Action Group, to be used in the conservation of the Baltic Sea. BSAG is an independent foundation, working to overcome the challenges created by eutrophication, dangerous substances, and maritime traffic in the Baltic Sea.

See the Baltic Sea will be a high quality hard cover, sewn bound photography book, with approximately 200 pages.

http://www.bsag.fi

SUPPORT THE PUBLICATION OF THE BOOK!

The book will be published for Christmas 2013, and we need Your support to make this happen! Join Mesenaatti.me and support the publication of this book by purchasing one of the items listed on the right. By doing so, you will also support the conservation of the Baltic Sea!

FUNDING

The total budget for this book is 15,000 €.

The funding plan is as follows:
Mesenaatti.me 8,000 €, minimum target 1000 €. The leftover amount will be funded by grants and other sources.

We welcome You to fund our project and secure Your personal copy of this unique and insightful photography book!

Join us!
Thank You and Kind Regards,

Lauri Rotko, photographer, www.laurirotko.com

Jukka Rapo, photographer, www.jukkarapo.com

DONATION REWARDS IN ENGLISH

Book: 40 €
Signed book: 50 €
Print (a4): 70 €
Print (a3): 120 €
Signed book + print (a4): 100 €
Signed book + print (a3): 140 €
Limited amount of prints available. Photographs are printed on archival quality fine art photo paper.

Snorkeling trip near Helsinki 2,500 €
Price includes:
– Excursion at sea, duration 6 hours, including 2 snorkeling trips, ride on Jukka Rapo’s boat, a light lunch on an island, and the basics of snorkeling guided by Jukka Rapo. The trip will be photographed by Lauri Rotko.