We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Pierre Foulonneau about their original and creative Vase design work. Pierre Foulonneau is an award-winning communication designer, that makes our world a better place with their original vase works.
Pierre Foulonneau ("PF") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Leaf Tall Vase . Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
PF : I was inspired by the fragile and fleeting aspect of nature, how life comes and goes according to seasons.
PF : My intention with the design of the “Leaf” vases was to create objects that captures and mimic nature. The “Leaf” vases are a family of crystal vases, each one of them holding a metal leaf shaped part. The metal leaves give the object an unalterable natural presence, even when empty. Seated in their transparent pedestals, the leaves play with light and reflections as they change along the day, bringing life into a poetic “still life” composition. And, during flower season, the leaves will act as a receptacle for greeting and showcasing fresh flowers.
PF : Once the idea sprung in my head the design came along rather quickly, it was a matter of weeks i'd say. However, it took me several years to find the right company to develop it with.
PF : I noticed -on our latitude at least- vases by their function are often used half of the year to display flowers and lies empty or hidden the other half. I just wanted to create a vase that could evoke nature even when empty.
PF : It is indeed produce by a Brazilian company called RIVA. They are specialist in designing and producing high end metal objects. They were the perfect company to develop and produce this particular item.
PF : I'm an admirer of Scandinavian design in general, Tapio Wirkkala in particular and his refined ability to express or represent nature in is work. I also like the simplicity, elegance and playfulness of Achille Castiglioni for exemple. I wouldn't talk about influences but rather how their work or approach to design infused in mine.
PF : People that appreciate a touch of poetry in the objects that surround them
PF : The Leaf vase is already a beautiful piece on its own and will only looks better with flowers.
PF : I think it is pretty obvious!
PF : it's never about the tool, but what you do with it. The best design tool ever is a brain, a pen and paper!
PF : It always sparks a reaction in people that see it for the first time.
PF : I collaborated with RIVA, a Brazilian company specialized in high end metal items. They helped me to make my design a reality and now produce and sell this item. A good design, needs a great execution and RIVA have very skillful craftsmen.
PF : None! it comes straight from the heart
PF : Finding the right people to produce the different parts. By that I mean people that can reach my level of requirement.
PF : I had been solicited or encouraged several times in the past years. Only this object has brought nothing but good to me since its creation and this year felt like the right time to submit it.
PF : Starting and developing a relationship with a new client, diving into it's culture and history, gaining an understanding of its philosophy and production capacity. It is always rewarding.
