Nathalie Flückiger: Infusing Glass Craftsmanship with Modern Playfulness
In the world of glass artistry, Nathalie Flückiger brings a unique blend of modern elegance and playful design, breathing life into her creations. Her innovative approach to crafting glass, where each piece marries sophistication with a touch of whimsy, is a testament to her extraordinary talent.
In the subtle undulations and delicate imperfections adorning handcrafted glass, the true essence of masterful craftsmanship unfurls. The unmistakable "pontil mark" gracing its base, a profound testament to the graceful parting of the glassblower's pipe, serves as an unmistakable symbol of unwavering quality. Each piece bears the indelible imprint of the artist's skilled hand, with deviations in height and diameter, roughly one centimeter, imparting a distinct and cherished character upon every mouth-blown glass creation.
Exploring the Artistry
The narrative of these exquisite creations is intrinsically tied to the legacy of a region where glassmaking finds its soul. Glass artisans, akin to free-spirited wanderers, have been irresistibly drawn by the siren call of opportunity, their journeys often shaped by economic hardships and the turbulence of the 17th and 18th centuries. In the face of war, soaring unemployment, and austere living conditions, Bohemian glassmakers roamed far and wide, defying attempts by authorities and landowners to tether them to any one place. Across the annals of time, we have encountered these itinerant glass craftsmen and their families, their exceptional talents forever sought after across the expanse of Europe. Remarkably, this timeless tradition continues to persist in all its unaltered glory to this very day.
(Source: Glass Museum Frauenau - glasmuseum-frauenau.de)
The complexity of her chosen techniques is masterfully embodied in an unmistakably distinguished style.
Nathalie Flückiger, hailing from the Swiss heartland, possesses a relentless ardor for the artistry of glass that led her on a remarkable journey to the Bavarian Forest, one of the few remaining strongholds of ancient glass crafting techniques in Europe. Much like her forebears in the profession, Nathalie embarked on an odyssey that traversed continents, resulting in the cultivation of her unique artistic style. Presently, Vienna stands as her haven, where she co-manages a quaint boutique alongside an assembly of fellow artists. Beyond being a gifted glassmaker, Nathalie is an adept glassblower, wielding mastery over the glassblower's pipe and the art of molding glass over an open flame, crafting objects that are truly one-of-a-kind. In her artistic creations, Nathalie expertly intertwines the essence of contemporary, minimalist design with the enduring legacy of traditional craftsmanship.
