Very excited to announce Hopea’s latest trunk show at Kit Interior Objects in Calgary! The show will be part of the SODO Block Party which takes place in Calgary’s design district on June 1st. I’ll be setting up in Kit’s amazing shop for three days (May 31 – June 2) and would be love to see any and all of you that happen to be in Calgary!
Lots of new pieces by Finnish designer Liisa Vitali have arrived in the shop. They are all from her iconic “Leppäkertu” series of 1966, this design was known as “ladybird”. The pieces are so playful and inspired – I just love them!
As a little bonus, below are a few images from the original promotional catalog for Vitali’s Ladybird series.
A few pieces of design inspiration this snowy Monday afternoon! I know everyone is saying it, but I am seriously ready for winter to be over.
1 / Not sure what the source for this image is (oh, Pinterest), but the colour/texture of the bedding are incredible. If any one has a clue about where these exist, please let me know!
2 / Just added on Hopea, this stunning silver ring designed by Matti J. Hyvarinen (Finland, 1975). I love the sculptural volume of Hyvarinen’s work.
3 / Something about sheepskin draped over Wegner chairs… Via.
This week on Hopea, I have an incredible ring by pioneering Danish jewelry designer Poul Havgaard. Havgaard is known for his sculptural designs which were originally executed in iron. The crater-like pieces were created to eventually rust and erode naturally; objects both substantial and ephemeral.
Here are a few of those iron creations from the late 1960s:
From Donald J. Willcox’s “New Design in Jewelry:
These finger sculptures were built with an acetylene torch, burned with cutting oil to induce black areas, and then the contrasting silver-like surfaces were smoothed with emery paper and steel wool. The iron does eventually rust, especially if subjected to salt water, but it requires no more care than ordinary silver to maintain the smooth surface. The designer is now working with several chemical firms to find epoxy resins which can be coated on the iron surface to permanently prevent rust.
(Don’t you love hearing about the behind-the-scene, technical processes of these sorts of labor intensive pieces?)
In 1971, Havgaard became a head designer (along with Bjorn Weckstrom) at Finnish firm Lapponia where he continued to develop his skill. This stunning ring, currently available on Hopea, combines Havgaard’s interest in erosion and sculpture, with the refinement and clean lines found at Lapponia:
I have just returned from a lovely vacation in the Baja of Mexico (and of course, mountains of snow have greeted me back in Calgary). After a couple weeks of eating extremely well, working on my freckles, and drinking my share of margaritas, I am happy to be back and working on Hopea’s collection. Lots of new pieces being added this week, so be sure to check in!
Here are a few pieces of design inspiration to start off this week!
1/ The incredible work space of Joel Speasmaker (his graphic illustrations are equally incredible, FYI). Via.
2/ The home space of Louise Simony – another illustrator! Love this monochromatic Nordic perfection. Via.
3/ Side table by Luca Nichetto. Yes, please. Via.
A few new arrivals this week!
1/ Pentti Sarpaneva bronze bark ring. Finland, c. 1970.
2/ Gold nugget ring designed by Bjorn Weckstrom for Lapponia. Finland, 1970.
3/ Flame bronze necklace designed by Bjorn Weckstrom c. 1972. This stunning piece is titled “Mustang”.
Mushimegane Books is the pottery studio of Japan-based ceramist Misa Kumabuchi. Her bold yet simplistic designs are just lovely. The glazes on the pieces are subtle and harmonious – I especially love the contrast of the wooden stoppers with the lovely hues of her hand-thrown jugs above.
Available at the189.com.
