Teemu Kylvö

2222 Glass

Glassblower

©Sami Teeri

The mysticism of glass

Teemu was trained and now lives in Nuutajärvi Glass Village
He is inspired by different materials and how they behave
He is colour-blind

Teemu Kylvö's whole life has been linked to Nuutajärvi Glass Village where glass has been manufactured since 1793. In this Finnish village of independent glass designers, he applied to attend the glass school in 2016 and pursued his vocational degree. Since then he has stayed to work and live. Fascinated and inspired by glass as a material, Teemu is conscious of traditional techniques and does not shy away from saying that he wants to be part of the ongoing history of glass art. But, for Teemu the creative process is more of a journey in which the end destination is not strictly defined. "The thrill comes from unpredictability," he explains.

Interview

©Sami Teeri

©Sami Teeri

What was the moment you first thought of picking up this craft?: I was at the GAS conference in Murano. The material and its complexity fascinated me and I wanted to become part of the continuation of glass art and its history.
Could your craft be considered in danger?: Yes. For example, I am Nuutajärvi Lasikomppania's youngest member and I am not that young anymore. The material is extremely challenging, it is very expensive to make and the process is ruthless.
Do you master any specific techniques?: I do not feel like I have mastered any specific one, yet. I am good at mixing different techniques, leaving something half-way done to get interesting textures and looks – to make my works represent my style.
How do you express tradition and innovation in your work?: Traditions provide techniques that have been used for hundreds of years. Innovation happens when moulding turns into something of my own. I love unpredictability, the mysticism of materials, and seeing them evolve step by step.

Teemu Kylvö is a rising star: he began his career in 2016