DI: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?
SK : My goal is to design high quality glass that looks good from all angles and emphasizes the shape of the glass when adding liquid. I always seek to create intriguing shapes, and my glass products reflect light in interesting ways.
The idea behind this work came from my previous 30s Cognac Glass design. It belongs to the same glass series and shares the same inspiration and shape of the cup. This 30s glass series continues celebrating me turning 30.
DI: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?
SK : My goal is to design and make high quality handmade glassware that looks interesting from all angles and creates new experiences for the user. I sought to improve the taste of the drink by enhancing the functionality, shape and reflection of the glass containing the liquid.
DI: What are your future plans for this award winning design?
SK : To get recognition, my plan is to showcase the glass in exhibitions and sell it. I will also soon open my own online shop. I have been making small sets of glass and would like to continue it with this 30s glass series, too. I have made two award winning designs, the 30s Cognac Glass and the 30s Wine Glass, and am ready for new challenges, as well.
DI: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?
SK : The process from sketching to final product takes time. For me, the most time-consuming phase is often to complete the final shape at the manufacturing stage. It requires a lot of learning and experimentation to get the shape I am looking for.
DI: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?
SK : I got inspired and wanted to celebrate my 30th birthday. I am now 34 and still celebrating it. This product is continuation to my previous 30s Cognac Glass design.
DI: Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?
SK : I want to produce my design myself. I am not going to sell or lease the production rights. I am a glassblower and because of that I can produce the work myself.
DI: What made you design this particular type of work?
SK : I wanted to create new experiences for the user for designing glass that looks interesting at 360 degrees. I also wanted to create a glass that when filled with liquid will emphasize the shape of the glass and reflect light beautifully.
I also like glassblowing challenges and the visual effects that glass produces.
I also like glassblowing challenges and the visual effects that glass produces.
DI: Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?
SK : There are many good designers who inspire me. My favourite is the Finnish designer Tapio Wirkkala. Also venetian glassblowing techniques have influenced my glassblowing.
DI: Who is the target customer for his design?
SK : Design and drink lovers.
DI: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?
SK : It looks interesting from 360 degrees, and when filled with liquid, it will emphasize the shape of the glass and reflect light beautifully. Moreover, it is made with love.
DI: How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?
SK : The idea behind this name came to me on my 30th birthday. I created this 30s glass series to celebrate turning 30. This item belongs to the same glass series as 30s Cognac Glass as it shares the same inspiration and shape. I wanted to continue same glass series and make a 30s Wine Glass.
DI: Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?
SK : Sketch book and pen.
DI: What is the most unique aspect of your design?
SK : The cup has two inner-blown arches forming a special flattened shape. The shape of the glass, when filled with liquid, allows light to reflect from different angles, adding a special enjoyment to drinking.
DI: Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?
SK : I blew this glass design in a glass studio.
For this, I needed an assistant. Good teamwork is dreamwork.
DI: What is the role of technology in this particular design?
SK : Glassblowing technical skills were required.
DI: Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?
SK : Glassblowing techniques, trying out different things and using previous experience to guide the process.
DI: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?
SK : Designing glass that looks interesting from 360 degrees combined with venetian glass blowing skills is truly challenging. Further, it is demanding to create a glass that when filled with liquid will emphasize the shape of the glass and reflect light beautifully. These wine glasses require a high level of glass blowing skills. At the beginning, the most difficult part in terms of technique was to make well-proportioned glasses with the right timing and in collaboration with an assistant. Finally, I found the right way to produce them.
DI: How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?
SK : I wanted to know how good my design is, and I wanted promotion for my design, as well. A’ Design Award and Competition issues the preliminary scores to let the participants know how good their design is before the nomination.
DI: What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?
SK : I learned new glassblowing technical skills.
DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?
SK : I am a sensitive person. I pour my inner thoughts and emotions to the glass art design.