Teroforma

February 28, 2009

Perspectives // Just about perfect design

Finnish designer Tapio Wirkkala (1915-1985) designed the Bolle series of vases for renowned art glass studio Venini & C. Glass in Murano, Italy in 1967. In his own words, Wirkkala believed that “all materials have their own unwritten laws…the designer should aim at being in harmony with his material.” The incalmo technique is employed to join two “cups,” separately blown, and, as seen here, is used to create a band of color. At least as important as the color in these pieces is the effortless interaction between the shapes - resonant without being repetitive, each offering a context for the scale and presence of the others. In working on Teroforma, we see a lot of design concepts, but it is always useful to have something you can refer to which embodies in one place all the most essential and inspirational elements of your craft. For us, Bolle is the work of a true master at his finest moment and comes as close to perfect design as we have ever seen.