Finnish Design: Facts and Fancy

Fülszöveg

For once a book that doesn't pamper Finnish design! The author, Donald J. Willcox, is an American writer who is. well acquainted with the Finnish scene. He casts a fresh look at Finnish design, a subject of nearly legendary status, alongside Sibeiius and the sauna.
According to Willcox, the word »design» is a hand-me-down, a weary prostitute. It encourages myth-making, not realistic appraisal. Willcox prefers to talk of objects - and not only of them. He examines the entire field of Finnish crafts, the surroundings and conditions where this cultural form of worldwide fame is created and designed. Whatever it is — toy, furniture, clothing, or anything else - he asks: Is it necessary? Does it work? Can it work better? Is it quality? Is it reasonable? Willcox preserits his evaluations in a way that is pointed, relaxed and fun. His criticism is wellmeant and constructive.
Donald J. Willcox has written extensively on craft subjects. He wrote Rya Knotting and a series of five books on... Tovább

Fülszöveg

For once a book that doesn't pamper Finnish design! The author, Donald J. Willcox, is an American writer who is. well acquainted with the Finnish scene. He casts a fresh look at Finnish design, a subject of nearly legendary status, alongside Sibeiius and the sauna.
According to Willcox, the word »design» is a hand-me-down, a weary prostitute. It encourages myth-making, not realistic appraisal. Willcox prefers to talk of objects - and not only of them. He examines the entire field of Finnish crafts, the surroundings and conditions where this cultural form of worldwide fame is created and designed. Whatever it is — toy, furniture, clothing, or anything else - he asks: Is it necessary? Does it work? Can it work better? Is it quality? Is it reasonable? Willcox preserits his evaluations in a way that is pointed, relaxed and fun. His criticism is wellmeant and constructive.
Donald J. Willcox has written extensively on craft subjects. He wrote Rya Knotting and a series of five books on contemporary design in ceramics, jewelry, stitchery, weaving, and wood. He has traveled through Scandinavia to gather material for his books and currently lives in Denmark.
Ove Hector, a Danish psychologist/photographer, has assisted in forming the abundant picture material. Household gadgets are examined, and furniture, wrapping, advertising, even problems in social planning. All the objects have been photographed in their actual surroundings, very often in a series of action shots. It is surprising how often common-sense design can be found lurking in places where one would least expect it. Vissza