Interview, Editorial
APLACE x Sanna Holmberg
From now on, you can find new and exclusive products from the Malmö-based designer Sanna Holmberg at APLACE. Handmade tableware and vases in clay, the perfect addition to your home or a Christmas gift for someone you care about! In an interview with us, Sanna shares the inspiration behind her craftsmanship, as well as reveals what's at the top of her wishlist this year.
Hello Sanna! Finally, we can present APLACE x Sanna Holmberg and share details about the collaboration!
It's so exciting to finally showcase this after all the meetings and time in the workshop. ☻
The collaboration is based on my previous work that exists with you. It involves the brown mottled and contrasting blue, combined with the shapes of the spouts. I've chosen to interpret classic forms like the board with a plate, the vase with a handle, and the stately candelabrum, where everything is held together by brown mottled and blue.
What's the difference between creating a collection together versus alone?
Creating a collection is so much fun, with frames to start from and a small "project group" of people, much like how I often work as an architect. It's a combination of both worlds.
What was your biggest source of inspiration?
I draw inspiration from both art and everyday things. I often think about how objects or functions can look different, but sometimes I just start with the process and let the result find its own form.
Tell us about the products we've received at APLACE, how did you develop them?
I often start from myself, what I want or need. Imagine serving pasta to family and friends on the large plate or having bubbles/dessert in the coupe glass. I'm especially happy with the candelabras; I've been working on a form and expression that is stately, elegant, robust, and still connects to previous candlesticks I've made. It takes up space, both as a sculpture and as the candlestick it actually is. I often use various methods when creating my products. In this collection, I've coiled, thrown, and rolled.
What are the key details you want people to take away from your craftsmanship?
It's fun to think that the forms in this collection come from the shapes of a fabric painting. Forms that then led to spouts and now this collection. It's nice to have a common thread, and the attentive customer can find it ☻
What makes your ceramics unique?
I often work with skewed proportions and accent colors that can add that little beige fun and interest. The combination along with my design language is what defines my things. At the same time, I try to be open and not get stuck in what defines my design language; I often want to develop and change. I often sketch, not always having everything thought out before I start. If it goes wrong, it's just a matter of starting over.
Soon it will be a new year, what would you like to do in 2024? Do you have any goals/dreams?
I'd like to do big things, as big as my oven allows. Combine clay with other materials. I'm very curious about metal; after all, I do have a welding license ☻
Last but not least, what's at the top of your wishlist this Christmas?
Peace on earth, politicians taking climate change seriously, and a larger ceramics kiln.
