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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
World
Charlie Atkin

Meet Juuso the painting brown bear - Finland's next biggest export

Meet Juuso the bear, Finland's fastest (and probably largest) rising artist.

A 1,000 pound brown bear is establishing himself in the Finnish art scene after selling several paintings.

Juuso was raised by Sulo Karjalainen and Pasi Jäntti since he was a cub at the Kuusamo Predator Centre, where orphaned animals are sheltered.

"We treat animals that are found in nature like cubs whose mothers have been shot," Pasi told The Independent.

Two Juuso originals that have already sold

They also care for "wounded and starving animals, such as bear cubs that are victims of car accidents."

The money raised by Juuso's paintings are being sold to help provide for the six orphaned bears that currently reside there.

Juuso's keepers say that he enjoys the process of using his entire body to express his artistic side.

So far 13 paintings have been finished by Juuso and six have been sold.

If you would like to browse Juuso's work or help contribute to the centre, here is a link to the website.

 

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