When Christmas approaches one can`t help but think about the past. There is something very nostalgic about Christmas time. Memories of grandparent`s homes and family traditions that we are more or less good in continuing.
As the last post before the holidays I feel it is appropriate to write about how old traditions carry on in our lives, in this case regarding interior design.
When thinking about Scandinavian counties, first of all one thinks of the harshness of the climate; second and consequently, of how cozy the interiors must be, since spending a lot of time inside is necessary.
Scandinavian design is known for its focus on clean, simple lines, minimalism and practicality. All elements that are difficult to combine without risking to turn the space into cold and impersonal rooms. Despite of this, the magic touch of Scandinavian interior design always creates warm and welcoming homes which in Norwegian would be defined as “koselig”(cozy).
Yet this new tendency of simplifying and reducing the decorative elements can also be seen from another side. Traditionally old Norwegian homes are full of small lights, carpets, wall hangings and wood decorations on walls and windows. Where will all of this go in just some few generations? Interior design is very hard to predict: it flows just like fashion and old tendencies might come back. But we never know, they might as well disappear.
In the society we live in, where everything is projected into the future, it is important to stop and thoughtfully look back to evaluate the roots of our culture. Talking with Gyri S. Susrud has made me realize how vital it is to keep alive at least some of the traits that risk to be swiped away by modernism. Instead of waiting for all these pieces of furniture to be stored in a museum and become something foreign to our taste, Gyri has opened a design company with the aim to bring back the original Norwegian interior traditions. Thinking of new ways of how to include the old patters into today’s homes, she has renewed the traditional textile motifs into beautiful pieces of furniture.
In dialogue with interior designer Gyri S. Susrud
1. Can you describe the process of creating your own textiles?
Everything begins with the search of a pattern I want to work on. Once I have something in mind I return to my drawing board and do lots of sketches to visualise the idea and develop a pleasant product. I try to simplify the patterns that are usually quite complex, but my aim is also not to lose their essence and the feeling they convey. When I am satisfied with the drawing I colour it with watercolours and then send it to a graphic designer who makes a PSD file. After that the most difficult part is over, the files are in fact sent to the mill in Northern Ireland where the pattern is printed on the finest Irish linen.
2. What inspires your patterns?
When I search for inspiration for a new pattern I look at interiors in old Norwegian houses, at furniture, old woven wall hangings and other objects that fall in the category of “decorative arts”. I sometimes go to old bookshops that only have rare and unique books to skim through them and discover old Norwegian patterns. In my work Norwegian traditional textiles and techniques are central. One example is the so called Rosemaling (from Rosemåling in Norwegian) which is a style of Norwegian decorative painting on wood that uses stylized flower ornamentation, lining and geometric elements. I also get inspired by the patterns that decorate the various types of Norwegian National Costumes, Bunad. I try to simplify the old patterns and add new colours to them thus making them more contemporary and fitting in today`s aesthetics.
3. Your textiles evoke old Norwegian textiles but they are also contemporary pieces of design. What is the vision of your brand?
My attempt is to help people remember their tradition and cultural heritage. Our tradition is “written” in the old patters found in the old farmers` homes located in rural areas. I would like to remind people of their origins, to remind them to evaluate them and to be proud of them. Norway was part of Denmark and Sweden for several centuries and what distinguished us were our traditions expressed in unique artistic forms. They deserve to have a part in representing our identity as a county.
Thank you to Gyri S. Susrud, https://www.gyridesign.com/