Making magic in glass
- Paula prioritises instinct over technical superiority
- Her series Assorted Flavours was inspired by ice cream popsicles
- She uses her skills to help other designers and artists
“Tradition is the base from which I work. Innovation, for me, means finding new ways of applying these techniques and being open to straying from what has been considered the only right way.” That is how Paula Pääkkönen describes her work. No wonder she has decided to study and then settle down at the Nuutajärvi Glass Village, a community of like-minded people. Her infatuation with glass started in 2010 during her degree studies. What mesmerised her was the heat, intensity and quick pace of the glassblowing process. But, in her work today, technically immaculate pieces are not quite what she is aiming for. Instead, she is aiming to find the balance between technical excellence and capturing a fleeting moment, a feeling about something that is hard to define: magic.
Interview
- Did you learn from a master?
- Many. Nuutajärvi Glass Village is full of excellent glassblowers and information is shared freely. I’d like to mention Johannes Rantasalo and Alma Jantunen. The place has a tradition dating back 223 years, so there’s a lot of 'silent' knowledge. It is a team effort and we speak the language of glass.
- Do you master any specific techniques?
- I like using the Finnish/Swedish filigree technique and the incalmo technique. I don’t strive for excellence for the sake of it. Instead I aim for a visually pleasing result. Sometimes mistakes can make the pieces more alive. I’m learning to leave more room for chance.
- Could your craft be considered in danger?
- It has been for years; factories closing and production moving to lower-cost countries. Glassmaking is expensive. It is impossible to compete with big producers. Our school was to be shut down due to government savings, but we won! The future is in small-scale production and unique pieces.
- What inspires your work?
- Glassblowing techniques are endlessly inspiring. Also different artists and designers challenge me to try and learn new ways of working. Currently, I’m working on the theme of childhood and imagination. I am chasing that moment when common things still have a hint of magic.
Paula Pääkkönen is a rising star: she began her career in 2016
Works
Where
Paula Pääkkönen
