Hi Substack!
Happy Ware Wednesday! Apparently I am very into ceramics so let’s talk “dinner ware”. This round is about Gustaf Westman. If you don’t know the name, you may know the work. Chunky Plates ring a bell?
Who is Gustaf Westman?
Although the site keeps it very brief, I did a little digging and found an interview Westman did with DESIGN BOOM done by Julia Viklund where he shares a bit more about himself.
From architect to designer, Westman has found his stride. If you are an avid Pinterest scroller like myself, you have seen these vibrant and chunky designs. There is beauty in the simplicity of the design. There is beauty in whimsy.
In interview with Viklund, Westman sites his interest “in the shapes, the colors, the object itself” as the drivers in the pivot from architect to designer.
As much as whimsy is at the heart of the designs, one of my favorite things about the brand is the dedication to sustainability.“Each made-to-order piece is crafted in collaboration with selected Swedish woodworkers to support a local and sustainable production process.”
If you love a good audio moment here is a podcast episode featuring the Swedish born artist with ODDA Conversations.
Chunkyware.
Let’s talk about the world of “Chunky”… Plates.Cups.Jugs.Flower Pots. This very distinct style of craftsmanship is what really reels us in. There is a sense of nostalgia in these pieces. They scream fun. Almost like Polly Pocket in real life. What a beautiful balance of both whimsy and functional.
There’s More?
Duh. We are not limited to dinner ware over here. When I say whimsy I mean it. Westman defines if you can do it, you should. Life is too short to not have a baguette and hotdog holder no? These are a few more pieces that Gustaf Westman has brought it into the world. There is also furniture and physically projects like this outdoor wine bar in Sweden.
Coming Soon.
IKEA has partnered with Gustaf Westman and Evelina Kroon. The two have put their brains together with IKEA to create what is referred to as “Three moods, two designers, one universal spirit of coming together”. Both designer have unique art styles but they both embody, fun.Cheers to this collab.
Westman took to social to hint at what is to come this autumn.
Where you can find Gustaf Westman
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Soooo excited for the ikea collab!