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Q1 When did you first want to be a designer?
"I wanted to become a pilot, but ended up studying Industrial design at Prat institute in New York" says Folkform co-founder Chandra Ahlsell
Q2 Could you tell us about a project that you are working on right now?
Sorry, top secret |
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Q3 What's a highlight of your recent design career?
It is probably one of the prices and nominations we have received. Last year we won the Future Design Days Award. The Award is a prestigious distinction aimed at encouraging young progressive designers. Of course it is also amazing to get the possibility to exhibit all over the world.
Q4 You have been participating a lot of exhibitions internationally. Could you tell us a little bit of your experiences for showing your work in the world?
Travelling and exhibiting is very helpful to get new perspectives on the design process. It is a magic experience to present a new collection for the first time and get the direct feedback.
Q5 Is there a designer who inspires you?
There are a lot of really fascinating designers, Ingo Maurer is a great thinker! An artist that inspires us is Clay Ketter. |
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Q11 What do you think about the design industry in Stockholm?
"It is a family affair" The designers/artists all know each other. Most of the Swedish manufacturers are very conservative. We have to challenge the industry and convince them to be brave.
Q12 Favorite cocktail and where to drink it?
We just came home from some meetings in Barcelona. We met some very interesting people there. So I guess the cocktail wasn´t the thing, we went to a lovely restaurant inside the big food market "Mercat Santa Caterina"
Q13 What are your aspirations?
To be honest and follow our intuition.
Q14 Would you like to add anything for your fans in Japan?
See you soon in Tokyo! |
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Young Swedish design collective Folkform, has already won several prizes and was recently nominated to the Swedish Design Award. The collective was founded by industrial designers Chandra Ahlsell and Anna Holmquist.
Since the start in 2004 Folkform has participated in numerous international design fairs and exhibitions, including Salone del Mobile Milan, Stockholm Furniture Fair, Tokyo Design week, Design Mai Berlin. In 2006 the collective received the prestigious Future Design Days Award. Their works are challenging prevalent design codes it transforms simplicity into all its complexity and gives the obvious an underlying and ambiguous meaning.
(C.A: Chandra Ahlsell, A.H: Anna Holmquist) |
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Q6 Could you tell us the work you enjoyed the most so far?
I think the most recent work always is the one you are most proud of. So I guess it is the "Unique Standard collection" that we launched at Crystal Palace Contemporary art and Design in Stockholm in February.
Q7 What is your greatest inspiration when you're making pieces?
We have a strong focus on new areas of applications for material and material experimentation. We are constantly collecting everyday materials and standard building details and profiles. But of course we are also inspired by the people around us, contemporary culture, music and art.
Q8 Is there a dream project that you'd like to do?
We would love to make a project for a Japanese company. Maybe a huge parking Garage in Tokyo. |
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Q9 If you could rewrite your history a bit and take on a totally different career or lifestyle, what would it be and why?
C.A: Pilot
A.H: Anthropologist
Q10 If you can go anywhere in the world where would you go first?
Japan of course! We would love to exhibit again in Tokyo at some point. |
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