GLASS

The history of creating glass can be traced back to 3500 BCE in Mesopotamia; glass as medium has such a long history with man!

We have always be fascinated by the art of blowing and the relation with fire.Common techniques for producing glass art include as well: fusing, slumping, flame-working, hot-sculpting and cold-working.

Since few years there is a huge interest in the artistic production of glass.

In march 2009, the netherlands’ designhuis design museum, displayed an exhibition focusing on glass, showcasing contemporary works that explore this essential material. From industrial uses to artistic and craft based works.The glass's diversity is wide ,  we can figure out the future path glass will take in the hands of a fresh crop of artists and designers.

http://www.designhuis.com

How can you as a designer influence the process of exercising a profession that you find fascinating but can not control?

For a project in collaboration with Royal Leerdam glass manufacturer, Vanhoffontwerpen developed an extension for his hands, creating tongs to each piece of glassware with exactly the same measurements for attaching handles. 

While all glass products are individually blown with there own characteristics, the industrially manufactured handle fits where needed.

www.vanhoffontwerpen.nl

Vitra Virus

The Crystal Virus has entered yet another chapter: the Vitra Home Collection hosts the disrupting virus at the Salone del Mobile in 2007. The contrast couldn't be greater. Famous pieces by Charles & Ray Eames, Maarten van Severen, Sori Yanagi, Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec, Jean Prouvé and Jasper Morrison prove to be most interesting subjects.

Through form, colour, value and reputation, they claim a prominent role in the matter.

The brutal invasion of the crystal onto these design icons creates a dramatic tension.

Pieke Bergmans creates her viruses in the Royal Leerdam Crystal, in close collaboration with their crystal blowing masters.

www.piekebergmans.com