Smooth Finnish

A collection of production work and unique pieces made by Finnish designer makers

The objects in this exhibition illustrate the sophistication and functionality that is the base of Finnish design but there is also an awareness of the surrounding environment and a sence of play that imbues the work of these designers. This exhibition features works by Harri Koskinen, Alma Jantunen, Johannes Rantasalo, Raija Siikamaki, Annaleena Hakatie, Markku Salo, Anu Penttinen.

Harri Koskinen

"The fundamental purpose of design is probably either to answer or formulate essential questions. I am a designer of consumer goods under commission from companies that produce them. The designs I create are meant for everyday use. When commissioning work from me, companies outline a situation envisioned for the near future: what the consumer needs and is allowed to need. The problems are very realistic - improvements to the products that are available now as well as new ideas and perspectives.

For me excitement lies in insights, in the moments when I figure out a solution that leads to products that are more functional and easier to manufacture. We evolve a new consciousness through searching for these insights and solutions but fulfilling of basic needs remains the most activity. Design plays a part in all of this - but, on the other hand, it is also very far removed from it."	Berlin RST
Berlin Blue	Koskinen Lanterns clear, white & grey

Alma Jantunen

"I live and work in Nuutajrävi, known for its glass production. For a maker glass offers a wide range of colours, styles and techniques. I like to use incalmo - technique, especially for exploring colours. Simple forms let the colour speak their own language. In designing utility I try to find friendly, rounded shapes that are comfortable to use. The most pleasant stage in the design process is for me is the realisation, from an idea to an object that can be felt."

Johannes Rantasalo

"I also live and work in Nuutajrävi. As a glassblower I let the glass show me the way. Soft, round, stretched shapes come naturally to glass. At this moment I am fascinated with bottle shapes and their similarities to the human body. This is the thing that awakes a little sculpture in me."

In 1991 Jantunen and Rantasalo founded a studio called Losisirkus based in Nuutajrävi.

Large and Small Hip Vases	Incalmo vases
Hip vases (small & large)	3 Hip vase

Raija Siikamaki

"The aim of this study is to develop a safe and high quality technology for recycling End of Life (EOL) Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) glass, glass material from TV and computer monitors, to raw material for the Finnish ceramic and glass industry. Several companies are cooperating on this project to convert the waste material into high quality raw material to the end users specification. Because of the wide range of chemical compositions of CRT glass, many industrial applications for the end use are needed. Thee raw material specifications for each application will be studied and the processing methods of EOL CRT will be based on end users requirements."

Lycklig Morgan	Wagge
Hiottu Kulho

Annaleena Hakatie

"I am a person with lots of obsessions. A heritage from my father, who was always collecting although his activities were never beneficial and they drove my mother furious. My obsessions burst out at quite an early age, glass containers of soft cheese - used as tumblers for everyday drinking glasses. Thus I created my first glass series. My mother carried those cheese jars with her wherever we went, because I refused to eat anything except that particular product. I abandoned this addiction long before my fifth birthday, but there were other desires waiting for me.

Somehow my work has often been connected to food. My work 'Still Life' was a glass chapel filled with rotting food. I was obsessed. Truly creative work is born from your own powerlessness in the face of inner and external influences. It is born from passion.

I favour simple food pure tastes. In all kitchens in the world I like the simplest things, in Thai food I want Phad Thai. My favourite pizza is Margherita and I simply adore cottage cheese and tomatoes. I do not mix many tasted together and the thing called cross-kitchen is something I avoid. It is same with my design."

Relations Pitchers	Boxx (square grey container)
Still life (video projection)

Markku Salo

Markku Salo combines a career as industrial designer for glass with making unique pieces for gallery and museum exhibitions. This is in keeping with the 20th Century tradition of Scandinavian studio glass, where artists employed as industrial designers also have the freedom to make their own work.

"Glass is really not that serious. It is a very fast material. In just a few minutes you can materialise an idea and see if it turns out the way you want it to. Also, glass in itself is vivid, since it is always at play with light looking different all the time...Utility glass is more or less team work and you are always forced to compromise...It feels good not to be that selfish to try and understand customers needs. At the other end of the line you have artwork, purely selfish and uninhibited."

(Extract taken from 'Artists in Glass - Late Twentieth Century Masters in Glass' by Dan Klein)

Smooth, Heavy	Waiting (Pate de Verre & Wood)
Aava vase	Jano glasses

Anu Penttinen

"Influenced by the urban environment, I use hand blown glass to create strong shapes and use a rigid colour scheme to make objects that fit within one's personal space. The vessels I make act as canvases for the decorative process which involved carving through the outer layer of coloured glass to reveal the inner colour.

Crafts oriented production methods are important to me and making by hand and being able to feel the material is one of the starting points for my designs. The strict aesthetic and polarized colour scheme is elemental to my working process and both inspires and challenges me as a designer.

All the works shown in Smooth Finnish have been made this year and are hand blown, wheel cut and engraved."

Map	Tripod
Ooze, Flow & Filter	Inverse

Smooth Finnish was exhibited at the National Glass Centre.
20th November 2002 to 4th February 2003.