BIGG Artist: Johanna Jansson

Artist Statement
I often think glass today has become a prosaic material because of the mass production of domestic objects. It is my intention to try to recapture the magical properties inherent in glass, the free blown and hand made. Choosing iconic and graphic imagery, I make objects and natural forms, which reveal themselves through the traditional processes I employ in cutting and grinding. These processes heighten the illusionistic properties within the layered glass, creating depth and texture and emphasizing the initial graphic imagery. I want to bring nature inside, for example into strict office environments. Inspired by the forest of my native Sweden, My Silver Birches combine the long, elegantly slim and organic shape of the Silver Birch with a contemporary stark graphic design aesthetic.

Graffiti Tree Vases

A message carved in the ”bark”. Cut and ground through different color layers in the free blown glass. Graffiti brings the tree message into an urban setting. All unique pieces, limited edition.

Resume
Education

2008    Pilchuck Glass School, Seattle, USA, – Summer Program, Public Art: Illuminating the Process
2005-2007    MA Glass Design, Royal College Of Art, London
2003    School of Design at the University of Kalmar-Nybro, Sweden. Glass Design
2001-2003    BA Hons, Konstfack University, College of Art, Crafts and Design, Sweden. Graphic Design & Illustration
1998    London College of Printing & Distributive Trades. 2D Graphic Communication

Work and Project Experience
2006    Internship Asprey Design Department, London

2005    Art lightning decoration Nybro municipality (Sweden) to the ’Design Year 2005’
Lighting decorations of glass to Friskis & Svettis Gym, Kristianstad, Sweden
Lighting decorations of glass in Högsby Shopping Galleria, Sweden
Lighting decorations of glass in a Conference room at Sundsvall Hospital, Sweden, FormDuo Design

Exhibitions and Fairs
2009    Konsthantverkscentrum, Stockholm Furniture Fair, Sweden

2008    Mixed Emotions, Landskrona Konsthall, Sweden
Hem och Villa, Stockholmsmässan, Älvsjö, Sweden,
Formex, Formex goes abroad – Selected by Vessel Gallery London
Solo Show, The Glassery, Stockholm Sweden
Konsthantverkscentrum Vadköping, Örebro, sommarutställning, Svensk Form, wineglass represented, Sweden

2007    Vessel Gallery, Group Exhibition, London
London Design Festival, Talent Zone TENT, Selected
The Great Exhibition, Royal College of Art, Hyde Park London
Young Glass 2007, selected, Ebeltoft  Glass Museu, Denmark
Swedish Design Council, 70x 70 Exhibition  Stockholm

2006    Dubai International Tourist Expo, representing Stockholm - Sweden, FormDuo Lamp Design
”In sight”, Ceramics and Glass, Henry Moore Gallery RCA, London
”Site Specific”, London Wall Building. Moorgate
”Inspired by Cologne”, Young Talents selected , Cologne Fair, Germany
”Work Out” Spring-Saloon, Liljevalchs Art Gallery, Stockholm
”Work in progress show” Glass-motorbike helmets, Royal College of Art, London

2005    Stockholm Furniture Fair (Green Room), own exhibition case with glass lamp design

Awards

2007    Estrid Ericsson foundation, Art and craft Culture grant
2005    South Swedish Industrial and Chambers of Commers – Culture Grant  
The Region Organisation of Kalmar, Sweden – Woman Innovator of the Year

 

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