Enter the colourful world of Danish glass artist and designer Helle Mardahl as she talks about her inspirations and marrying function and artistry
Beautiful spherical shapes of handblown glass in vibrant and juicy colours are Helle Mardahl’s signature aesthetic. From covet-worthy tableware like whimsical cocktail glasses and glowing, orb-like lamps to artful sculptures, this Copenhagen-based designer is taking the world by rainbow storm with her mouth-watering pieces.
“My journey with glass started on a holiday to Malta. I stumbled upon some mouth-blown glass in a shop and was immediately drawn to the soft and shiny surface,” says the Central Saint Martins graduate. “It’s an ancient technique, but somehow glass art has been quite out of fashion for a decent number of years. That made me wonder how I could work with glass in a new and different way.”
Reaching out to local glass artisans in Copenhagen, she began her journey with a table lamp. “It was an organically shaped table lamp with magic dots on it,” Mardahl shares. “I was so incredibly fascinated about the process, the material and technique, and I still am today. I found a material that I will never grow tired of which is truly a blessing as a designer.”
Her famed “Bon Bon” signatures and Candy collection are tangible interpretations of classic sugary confections. “Every collection is an attempt to create an experience that activates all your senses,” explains the artist. “It’s about tasting, feeling, seeing and smelling. That’s also why each of our colours are named after something edible like caramel apple, raspberry and blueberry ice cream. The thought is that people can connect each colour with a specific taste. It requires that we all use our childhood memories and our imagination.” Read on as we get to know Mardahl and why well-made cocktails are a staple of her home.
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