"INTERPRETATIONS The sinuous, undulating lines in the vases and dishes have often been seen as representing the characteristic shapes of the Finnish landscape with its myriads of lakes. The lines of the section cut through a base of a tree where roots branch out have also been mentioned as a possible source of inspiration. Others saw in the free-form shapes of the vases Aalto's intention to recall the formless nature of the fluids they would hold. Critics pointed also to the fact that the "organic" theme of Aalto's designs could be found already in the Art Nouveau designs of Eliel Saarinen, the most important Finnish architect before Aalto. Also a series of free-form vases and shallow dishes produced in 1935 by the distinguished Swedish glasswork at Orrefors have been cited as the main source of inspiration. Aalto himself is said to have alleged that the lines of the vase were prompted to him by the captivating shape of a puddle. Besides, it is may have certain interest to mention in this connection that "aalto" is Finnish for "wave"."
- bill 8-09-2010 4:23 pm [add a comment]