Large Raw Ruby Red Glass Vase by Milena Kling

Originally created in 2017, Raw by Studio Milena Kling is part of the Ruby series of glass objects. They are the further development of an experimental search for a process that stores traces and stories in objects and enables the serial production of unique objects within clearly defined production processes. The unique transformation from raw rock to liquid transparent glass is a mysterious act in itself. Moreover, the glassblower, who uses the pure power of his lungs to form the finest glass out of a solid, tenacious lump of glass, elicits a touch of magic from the glass, through his art. Every single glass object in the series is blown from liquid 1,160 ° C hot glass into delicate copper grids; the result is a series of glass objects that combine traditional craftsmanship and modern design.

The fusion of glass with copper nets enables a transformation of its surface and creates new haptic and visual properties. These do not correspond to the cool smoothness of the glass, nor do they reflect the texture of the mesh unchanged. By combining the metal structure with the malleable materiality of the glass, the glass acquires an unfamiliar roughness. The contact of these two materials, under high temperatures and pressure, transforms the hand-blown glass. It receives traces of a contact that seems to require touching the glass objects themselves to feel their matte, grippy structure. The clear seam is a characteristic design element of the artifacts. This touch point clarifies the power and materiality of the molding process, and the object becomes readable.

In the process of manufacturing colored objects, a piece of colored material is melted into the transparent glass. By inflating these two masses, a wafer-thin layer of paint is created inside the object. This process gives the objects a delicate to pronounced color. Obtained a dull shimmer by the additional structuring, through shaping with copper nets. The shadow of the objects emphasizes the textile appearance of the embossed surface and stages it to a special degree. The removal of the copper net leaves the unfamiliar grip on the perfect smoothness of the glass, creating an exciting contrast to the flawless shine.