SHAPED BY FIRE
The philosophy of the project consists in the manifestation of continuous movement through the simultaneity of the past and the future. This project stands for the phenomenon of reminiscence in crafts and design, it reveals aesthetical metamorphosis and cultural synthesis.
While burning in a wooden mold, liquid hot glass captures tiniest details of a momentary structure, resulting into a unique surface. Although the technique of achieving carbonized wood texture is inspired by Timo Sarpaneva “Finlandia” collection from 1965-71 — whereas this created series of contemporary glass pieces, accompanied by smoked wood elements, composes a play of volumes, a landscape of smooth abstract shapes. Which devises modern aesthetics of art glass and explores the wonders of creative serendipity.
SHAPED BY FIRE
https://www.katerinakrotenko.com/shapedbyfire
SHAPED BY FIRE
https://www.katerinakrotenko.com/shapedbyfire
SHAPED BY FIRE
https://www.katerinakrotenko.com/shapedbyfire
SHAPED BY FIRE / DRAGO
The project is called by the Slavic word drago meaning beloved, precious. As this series of sculptural glassware highlights the true beauty and value of two noble materials: glass and wood. Furthermore, the name drago rewinds the image of a dragon. After all, the making process is a captivating play of three elements: fire, wood, and glass.
The wood for the moulds is consciously selected to achieve a variety of structures. While burning during the glass blowing process, the wooden mould changes continuously, resulting in unique shape and surface of each piece. This resembles the textures and forms in nature, which are never the same.
https://www.katerinakrotenko.com/drago
SHAPED BY FIRE / DRAGO
glass vessels with wooden texture
https://www.katerinakrotenko.com/drago
https://www.katerinakrotenko.com/shapedbyfire
https://www.katerinakrotenko.com/shapedbyfire
SHAPED BY FIRE / DRAGO
glass vessels with wooden texture
https://www.katerinakrotenko.com/drago
SHAPED BY FIRE
https://www.katerinakrotenko.com/shapedbyfire
MATRYOSHKI
This tableware reflects personal character lines, habits, memories, and heritage stories. The set of three porcelain bowls placed on top of each other is inspired by the trio of my grandma’s teapots, by which I was amazed since childhood. Moreover, it is a reminiscence of a traditional Russian tea bowl type of ceramicware.
It is a mix of traditional and modern aesthetics and functionality. This set is meant to be showcased in the interior, as in old times classical wooden cupboards, yet also be minimalistic and versatile. While the traditional tableware is very strict related to what for it should be used – these bowls help to serve different kinds of delicious treats. This functional multipurpose aspect contributes to aesthete wayfarer lifestyle.
The form invites to enjoy the warmth of tea or coffee by holding the bowl in hands. The base is delicately small and nicely polished, giving a feeling of marble. The bowls are available in warm shade of white or cloudy white with tender light blue inner shade (natural ceramic tones, with no pigment added); pure and translucent, or with a unique craquelure pattern. And additionally, in glossy petal pink glaze.
https://www.katerinakrotenko.com/matryoshki
MATRYOSHKI
porcelain bowl set
https://www.katerinakrotenko.com/matryoshki
PERFECT UNPERFECTION
The idea is to emphasize materials' unique characteristics and beauty, and also to cherish the element of chance in shaping hot glass.
This unique series represents the water element captured in still material. Yet the key aspect of the concept for this vase is that it needs a pair object, which would form a nuance balance. This possibility to create a personal composition is intended to reveal the connection between us and the objects we love. As those objects represent something important in our lives. And the glass vases I create, they are meant to accentuate the little details. As for example, the contrast combination of materials and forms: soft shape of solid glass and sharp shape of oxygenized aluminium, or a piece of a particular woodcut. Those support objects can uncover the story, like a stone, which you brought from a beloved place or a wonderful adventure; or a favorite book.
The process of production of the vase consist of two stages of shaping the glass: first, a very experimental work with a hot melted glass, and then with a cold work, polishing the form until achieving completely smooth amorphous shape. Both require highly skilled, precise and extremely time consuming work.
https://www.katerinakrotenko.com/perfectunperfection
PERFECT UNPERFECTION
sculpted solid glass vase
https://www.katerinakrotenko.com/perfectunperfection
PERFECT UNPERFECTION
sculpted solid glass vase
https://www.katerinakrotenko.com/perfectunperfection
HISTORICAL SPACE IN THE HEART OF ST.PETERSBURG
This concept is based on the dialogue between history and the present time.
The project takes place in an abandoned mansion in the historical center of Petersburg (Bolshaya Konyushennaya, 9). The survived initial decoration elements of its interiors became a source of inspiration for the creation of an artistic mix in this space.
The building was built in the first third of XIX century, and in 1899 the third floor was added and the grand staircase was created. Three years after the facade was transformed into art nouveau style. Such changes in the image of the exterior and interior with the flow of time, allow, from an ethical point of view, to express a contemporary aesthetic vision, and with respect to the architectural legacy of this space, to revive its beauty.
The idea is to transform the abandoned mansion into creative cluster, the inspiring place for professionals in the sphere of design and arts, in the heart of the city.
The methods of working with historical space are demonstrated on the example of reconstruction of four rooms. The key idea is to draw attention to the survived beauty of the ceilings and to show the stylistic combination of antique and modern elements in the interior.
https://www.katerinakrotenko.com/reminiscence
https://www.katerinakrotenko.com/reminiscence
https://www.katerinakrotenko.com/reminiscence
https://www.katerinakrotenko.com/reminiscence
