Tapio Wirkkala
Vases molded cristal, line cut, model Tatti, 1954
Vase Tuonelan virta, 1951
Vase 3561, 1954
Vase 3545, 1953
Vases model Tatti, 1954
Finland
"Material always entails opportunities - it is as if it urges one to create something out of it."
Tapio Wirkkala (1915-1985) is an important figure in modern Finish art. He was a reclusive man who valued his solitude, and drew much of his inspiration from nature. He was a multifaceted design genius, able to move fluidly through different mediums of expression such as sculpture, glass, furniture, product design, city planning, art, design, and even the creation of banknotes for the Finnish treasury. His works have been exhibited around the world, and he received numerous awards throughout his career including the Lunning Prize, the Pro Finlanda Medal, the Prince Eugen Medal and three gold medals at the Milan Triennale.