Smooth Finnish - Two Perspectives
Design:
Ann Jones, talks to Harri Koskinen and Markku Salo at the Smooth Finnish Exhibition, at the National Glass Centre, UK.
Ann Jones - You are both here for the 'Smooth Finish' exhibition, which Harri curated especially for the National Glass Centre. You both live and work mainly in Finland and you both design Glass for the manufacturer Iittala. The Swedish and Finish manufacturing commitment to excellent design is the envy of other countries. Could you both tell me a little about how Iittala has worked with designers in the past?
Markku Salo - I think that the main idea was that a designer was seen as only one member of the factory team - only one person amongst many. It was thought that the designer should be familiar with the 'normal life' of the factory. Of course, the designer must also be familiar with all the techniques used at the factory as well as the commercial department, the factory shop and the factory museum. You are really 'living' there and so you design very 'truly' and designs evolve from inside the factory.
AJ - So then the focus and vision of the factory is very clearly interpreted by designers who are really steeped in the culture of Iittala?
MS - Yes - when you work from the inside it is easier, because you naturally understand the 'rules' and what is acceptable.
AJ - Harri, having also worked with Iittala, how do you see the legacy of the factory and how they have worked with designers in the past?
Harri Koskinen - I think it was a very interesting period - after the war in Finland in the 40's and 50's. It was obvious that there was a lack of quality everyday items and there was a really big need to fill the people's cabinets. To meet this need the designers of that time were really productive and we are very lucky in Finland to have had those good designers like Sarpaneva, Wirkkala, and Kaj Franck to mention only a few. Of course at the same time - as well as making very straightforward design work - they also made very beautiful art pieces. They did a very wide range of things and the factory let them do what they wanted to do. They really trusted the designers.
AJ - You both have your own studios. Markku you work in Nuutajärvi, can you tell me about your studio and how it operates there?
MS - Yes. I do industrial design and also - more and more - I do free artwork. My main material is Glass but I also use other things.
AJ - Yes, Not only do you design production ware for Iittala, but you also do major architectural projects as a freelance artist and designer. Can say something about what percentage of your time you devote to both areas of your practice?
MS - Roughly,I work one day per week at Iittala, but it varies quite a lot. Sometimes if I have an exhibition, then I will only focus on that for a period.
AJ - Some of your freelance projects are on an enormous scale it must take you a long time to work on them?
MS - Of course, but I have assistances and students that help sometimes.
AJ - And they are all based in Nuutajärvi?
MS - Yes.
AJ - So you don't use other studios to fabricate your work?
MS - No, because I can use the facilities at the Iittala factory, which are fantastic; Lots of coloured glass, very big kilns and glory holes and so on.
AJ - Harri, You have a slightly different practice. You have a studio at Iittala and also your own studio in Helsinki, which is your own business called 'Friends of Industry'. Can say a little about your work with Iittala first?
HK - I first got involved with Iittalia during my studies at the University of Art and Design of Helsinki. We had a joint project and they gave a scholarship for one person to work in Nuutajärvi factories in 96. I got it and it was a really good start. I got four hours blowing time each week over the summer in 96 and I made my first Iittala piece 'Atlas' I completed my studies over the next year and then they employed me in 98 and I went to the Iittalia factory for four years as an in house designer. It was a very nice time. They gave me a free hand to work with other companies as well, not just glass but furniture, silver and ceramics. So I was four years in house and this year started to work more in my own studio in Helsinki, but still hope to do one day per week at Iittala.
AJ -' Friends of Industry' is a very evocative name - can you a little about what you do?
HK - The name relates to how I think the relationship and cooperation between the designer and companies should be. Right now we have three employees full time and then two to four free lancers help me now and then. We are working on all kinds of projects from more conceptual packaging to very clear items like furniture, lighting etc. At same time I continue my work with Iittala and Arabia and a Finnish company called Genelec.
AJ - You also work with non-Finish companies and some very big names.
HK - Yeah - I met Mr. Issey Miyake in 2000. His studio e-mailed me in 99, and I could not believe it - they invited me to come to Tokyo in 2000 to show my work. I met his assistant and we decided to work together. Since then I have worked on some very nice projects with them. That's my main relationship with a company abroad, although I also hope to work with some Italian companies next spring.
AJ - Well good luck. That's sounds very exciting. Thank you very much Markku and Harri - and we hope to see you back at the National Glass Centre soon.
HK / MS - Thanks. Our pleasure.
Smooth Finnish online exhibition.
This article was first published on IIRG's Gateway to Glass website, www.gatewaytoglass.org.
Ann Jones is Associate Head of Visual Arts for Visiting Arts, London.
Harri Koskinen and Markku Salo both exhibited in 'Smooth Finnish' at the National Glass Centre,at the National Glass Centre, 20th November 2002 to 4th February 2003.
