Function Combined with Inspiration from Nature: Atelier Gulla Jonsdottir’s Strain of Modernism

Gulla Jónsdóttir, Atelier Gulla Jonsdottir, West Hollywood, California.

Scandinavian design is timeless – it is simple, beautiful, finely crafted, and made with natural materials that appeal on a fundamentally human level. At Atelier Gulla Jonsdottir, there is an inherent Scandinavian undercurrent in its work, driven, above all, by an emphasis on quality and natural materials.

From Artek to Vallila: Functionality and Form in Finnish Design

Leslie Anne Anderson, Director of Collections, Exhibitions and Programs, National Nordic Museum, Seattle, Washington.

This talk explores the work of Finnish design companies focusing on textiles, fashion, furniture, glass, and ceramics, as well as the individuals who contributed to and guided their creative direction.

Scandinavian Design in the United States, 1890-1980

Bobbye Tigerman, Marilyn B. and Calvin B. Gross Curator, Decorative Arts and Design, Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). Co-curator of Scandinavian Design and the United States, 1890-1980.

The speaker will discuss the ideas and theme of the museum exhibition, Scandinavian Design in the United States, 1890-1980, and share thoughts about questions like, why was Danish Modern furniture so popular and did IKEA invent flat-pack. The exhibition examines the design exchanges between the United States and the Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, and includes a wide range of design media, from iconic Dansk kitchenware to a Volvo.

From Blue Lace to Axel Salto: Two Centuries of Danish Ceramics

Diya Nagaraj, Curator, Museum of Danish America, Elk Horn, Iowa.

Danish ceramics have a long and storied history that spans almost 250 years. While Royal Copenhagen and Bing & Grøndahl might be best known for their Christmas plates, their production has ranged through everything from telegraph insulators to large sculptural pieces. This presentation will explore that story, with particular focus on the Art Nouveau period (1885-1920), a time when Denmark stepped into the international spotlight for their ceramics work.

Design, History and Demonstration of a Finnish Kantele

Rebekah Scogin, Ventura, California.

Design, History and Demonstration of a Norwegian Hardanger Fiddle

Darren Michaels, Pasadena, California.

Scandinavian Modern Design in Norway

Laurann Gilbertson, Chief Curator, Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, Decorah, Iowa.

Norway’s contributions to the Scandinavian Modern Design movement were many, but the artists and products were not as well known as their Danish, Swedish, and Finnish counterparts. Meet some of the most important designers of the mid-twentieth century and learn about their work in furniture, textiles, silver, glass, ceramics, and enamel.

Design, History and Demonstration of a Swedish Nyckleharpa

Torkil Hammer, Ph.D., Newbury Park, California.

Fluidity: Identity in Swedish Glass

Inga Thiesen, Collections Manager, and Erin Stromgren, Exhibition Manager, American Swedish Institute, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Glass moves. Glass heals. Glass speaks. Fluidity: Identity in Swedish Glass highlights the breadth and depth of female glass artists who have been underrecognized in the industry. With examples taken from the American Swedish Institute’s impressive glass collection, this talk will explore objects which represent the women who helped shape the popularity of Swedish glass and helped studios like Orrefors and Kosta Boda become household names.