An exhibition at Design Museum Iittala from October 14, 2023, to January 28, 2024
Aada Vainio and Saara Sirkeoja work as glassblowers at the Iittala glass factory. Ten years ago, in 2013, both were driven by a desire to learn and create with their hands and an interest in artistic work.
Their journey with glass began at the Ikaalinen College of Crafts and Design, and they graduated as artisans specializing in glass in the spring of 2015. After graduation, they found their way to Iittala, where they completed professional qualifications through apprenticeship training.
Their relationship with glass was love at first touch. They describe the material as exciting, sensitive, challenging, fascinating, versatile and mystical. Glass cannot be compared to any other material. It has a will of its own, and it can never be fully controlled.
Glass is an art you will never master. There will always be room for development. In addition to creativity, Aada and Saara share a desire for continuous learning and experimentation. Both want to become as versatile glassblowers as possible. They greatly appreciate the fact that the Iittala glass factory offers its personnel the opportunity to create their own works in their free time. This arrangement brings variety to day-to-day work and allows space for creativity, in addition to increasing professional skills.
Ten years is a long time. For a glassblower, however, it is a short time. Aada’s and Saara’s careers as glassblowers are only beginning. However, their journey together affords a good opportunity to pause and reflect on the past and the future. Professionally, they are interested in becoming certified masters of their craft by completing a specialist vocational qualification.
The exhibition presents Aada Vainio’s and Saara Sirkeoja’s ten-year journey with glass, from their studies to the present. Some of the works in the exhibition are available for sale.
The exhibition is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 5 pm. From October 18 to 22, 2023 (Wednesday to Sunday), the exhibition will also be open from 11 am to 5 pm.
