Threads IV

Threads IV is a unique handblown clear and aubergine/dark brown glass sculpture by the Swedish artist Ann Wåhlström. Created to form an elegant teardrop shape, finishing in a refined thin neck, very fine canes of dark brown/aubergine glass appear woven into the clear form.

In her career, Wåhlström has designed wares for many international companies; glasses for the likes of Ikea and Kosta Boda, ceramics, metals and textiles for brands from Cappellini to Boda Nova, Wåhlström’s work is as varied in material as it is colour. Her strong aesthetic ties together her wide use of graphic lines and sweeping arcs whether applied to the flat surface of textiles or the fluid forms of glass. Wåhlström has also taught at Pilchuck Glass School in the USA and at the Beckman’s School of Design in Stockholm, Sweden. Her work can be found in many major museums including: the permanent collections of the V&A, the Corning Museum of Glass (New York), Ebeltoft Glasmuseum (Denmark), The Montreal Museum of Decorative Arts (Canada), the Art Gallery of Western Australia (Australia), Småland, Växjö, Sweden National museum and the Museum of Glass (USA).

Her inspiration comes from nature, ancient architecture and children’s book illustration, she cites Moomin creator Tove Jansson as a huge influence.

In Ann’s own words:
‘In this series of objects I have used the classic techniques of canes and murrinis but worked with a more organic approach to create the loose patterns in the glass that I am after. I start my design with watercolor sketches and the result of the patterns in my glass objects are a bit "floating" which I really like. I make the pieces together with very skilled glassblowers, in this case in Seattle and Tacoma USA, and enjoy the collaboration very much! The pieces grow in the hands of the glassblower and the colours and patterns follow the glass as more and more air, heat and gravity make their marks. I only know what will happen to a certain level! My colours are often strong and the shapes classic. The inspiration comes from the sea world as often as traditional textiles and patterns in nature’.