29.7.17

Art, ceramics, concrete and wood - Magnetic Latvia








Starting my weekend with some snapshots of our visit at Riga. a little while ago, 
 where we got the chance to admire the most beautiful and inspiring places in 
the field of ceramics, glass and art. In my previous posts about Riga I told you about the University Academic center of natural Sciences (here) and Riga chair (here) and 
today I'm sharing the workspace (at the society of art in one of the cities
 most creative neighborhoods) and ceramics of designer Beate Snuka and an
 impression of the Riga Highschool of Design and Art.

Beate Snuka is a Latvian designer based in Riga and in Eindhoven (the Netherlands) 
After graduating from the Design Academy Eindhoven in 2014 she founded her own
 design studio and her work has been published in design and interior magazines including ELLE Decoration and vtwonen. As well as showcased in several design fairs including 
Salone del Mobile Milano, Dutch Design Week and London Design festival. Her inspiration
 ranges from contemporary crafts to industrial architecture and everything in-between. 
One of Beate's main goals is to deliver beautiful, timeless pieces that are functional, 
well detailed and act as subtle story-tellers. 

For her projects Beate makes use of local clay with a high iron content causing
 the pottery deep black. The Classic collection features raku fired plates, classic red pottery and elegant porcelain. Her white dotted edge series was created for Salone del 
Mobile 2015.The used technique dates back to ancient times and looks amazing ! 

In the Netherlands you can find the designs of Beate at Frozen Fountain in Amsterdam. 














 For me personally, visiting the special renovation project of the wooden school 
building of  the Design and Art High school RSDA,  was a very inspiring experience. 
 This modern and prestigious educational institution is internationally recognised as
 the European art and design education and Innovation Center. 
 Besides the amazing building and its beautiful interior I just loved admiring all the 
artworks and ceramics spread throughout the building. 
  It was so special to be there! 

The renovation and interior design of this wooden building
 (the oldest one in Riga - built 1820) is done by architect and awardwinner Gaile.
 The special feel of the building is created by the harmonious blend between the 
environment and constructed elements with the added value of the ambience of an art school. The feeling of authenticity results from many small decisions and details that altogether form the totality of the work of art. 

The purpose of the project was to draw public attention to preservation of neglected wooden architecture heritage by developing an example which would reveal the unique qualities of Riga’s wooden buildings and show contemporary way to their renovation. 
In my opinion a beautiful successful project,  there really is so much to see and to admire...
Definitely worth a visit if you're in Riga!

                                                                                                                  photos elvs - elveravanschaik