PEACEFUL MOMENTS ARE IMPORTANT
Ingegerd Råman for Orrefors
Ingegerd Råman is an artisan and designer with glass as her main material . She always designs objects she wants and needs herself – objects with beauty and a functionality .
“ My design is clear – with the material in focus and all is superfluous removed . A natural function and simplicity remain . There is a complexity in usable things . Flaws are instantly revealed in that which have not been well-made ,” she says . Her glass always has a functional consideration and proximity . “ There is a feeling of passion in what seems like a simple object . Subtly playful and poetic without compromise . To create glass with a sharpness is very difficult . The material does never cease to surprise nor fascinate me . Glass is magical , which many can relate to . It captures light and creates reflection ”, says Ingegerd Råman .
The designer uses the same sketching techniques today as she has for most of her life . Parchment paper and a pencil . “ Despite modern day ’ s possibilities with digital design programs , I still prefer to use a pencil and parchment paper when sketching . By placing the transparent sheet in layers , I create volume in the design and my work becomes more visual with all the details . Precision matters . Every adjusted millimeter affects the final result . I want to work in peace during the sketching process without reflecting over what others might think .”
When the three-dimensional object is ready , she puts the sketches aside and places the finished item in the studio positioned where it can be seen in a less obvious way . This is her way to determine if the object is finished or not . If it does not feel right for her , she continues making improvements until it is completed to perfection . To her austerity is important , but passion even more so .
“ For those from a younger generation hoping to become a designer I ’ d say – do it ! Follow your dreams . It is not an easy path , but patience often follows when there is love for a profession . Learn from the failures and the sidetracks but don ’ t forget to have fun ,” says Ingegerd .
Ingegerd Råman ( born in Stockholm in 1943 ) studied at Carl Malmsten ’ s Capellagården , Öland , and at the University of Arts , Crafts & Design in Stockholm . She also studied ceramic chemistry at the Istituto Statale d ’ Arte per la Ceramica in Faenza , Italy . In 1967 , she started her own ceramics studio in Skåne , Sweden , and throughout her career , she has worked both as a ceramics and glass designer . Råman worked for several distinguished Swedish glassworks before she began collaborating with Orrefors in the late 1990s . Today she is among the designers with the greatest significance for the development of Orrefors , and her elegant style continues to be an objective for the future .
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