2024 — Vitrum
Vitrum is an ongoing body of work that investigates the expressive potential of glass by foregrounding what is usually hidden: the irregularities, bubbles, and distortions that arise during production. Rather than correcting these so-called imperfections, the series celebrates them, transforming technical anomalies into defining aesthetic qualities.
A unique glassblowing technique developed together with Daniele Misso pushes the boundaries of glass production by incorporating air pockets. The result is a reproducible production process that yields highly individual outcomes. Based on this technique, Johanna Seelemann explores its potential for creating unique products, such as a series of vases. The product language is tactile and bears a strong resemblance to frozen water streams. The material remains pure and recyclable.
Air bubbles, which are generally considered to be flaws in industrial production, are intentionally introduced.
Starch is added during the manufacturing process to maximise the number of bubbles formed, pushing the limits of air encapsulated by the glass. By resetting the usual standards of glassmaking and imagining alternative applications, this not fully predictable glass becomes an innovative, unique and highly tactile material.
Rather than designing the objects, the production processes becomes a framework for the material to perform freely. Letting go of control, the forms that emerge from the bubbles are allowed to take shape, while the texture of the objects results from the interaction between the air introduced into the glass and the fire.
Through a series of experiments ranging from tiles and bottles to the development of a collection of vases, the possibilities of adding air inclusions were explored in close collaboration with glassblowers.
A unique glassblowing technique developed together with Daniele Misso pushes the boundaries of glass production by incorporating air pockets. The result is a reproducible production process that yields highly individual outcomes. Based on this technique, Johanna Seelemann explores its potential for creating unique products, such as a series of vases. The product language is tactile and bears a strong resemblance to frozen water streams. The material remains pure and recyclable.
Air bubbles, which are generally considered to be flaws in industrial production, are intentionally introduced.
Starch is added during the manufacturing process to maximise the number of bubbles formed, pushing the limits of air encapsulated by the glass. By resetting the usual standards of glassmaking and imagining alternative applications, this not fully predictable glass becomes an innovative, unique and highly tactile material.
Rather than designing the objects, the production processes becomes a framework for the material to perform freely. Letting go of control, the forms that emerge from the bubbles are allowed to take shape, while the texture of the objects results from the interaction between the air introduced into the glass and the fire.
Through a series of experiments ranging from tiles and bottles to the development of a collection of vases, the possibilities of adding air inclusions were explored in close collaboration with glassblowers.
Concept, Design, DevelopmentJohanna Seelemann
Production
Assistance
IMAGE Credits
Available upon request︎︎︎
Johanna Seelemann
Production
Torsten Rötzsch
Assistance
Marc Goldbach
IMAGE Credits
Robert Damisch
Available upon request︎︎︎
