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Helle Mardahl's 'Candy Series One '23' transforms glass into whimsical treats
Helle Mardahl's Candy Series One '23
Image: Alastair Philip Wiper
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Helle Mardahl's 'Candy Series One '23' transforms glass into whimsical treats

The first of a two-part annual collection, it merges tradition and innovation to enchant the senses.

by Pooja Suresh Hollannavar
Published on : Aug 30, 2023

For the first time, the annual glass collection by Helle Mardahl has been divided into two candy series. Crafted by the skilled hands of artisans, these mouth-blown glass pieces are not just objects; they are meticulous works of art that truly embody time, devotion, and artistry.

The first of the two-part series, the Candy Series One ’23 is an enticing medley of delectable colours, igniting appetites and evoking a longing that only the finest confections can inspire. Think Spearmint, Blue Jelly, Grapefruit, and Caramel—these are not just names; they are flavours that paint the imagination. This product design collection is about more than just the visual feast; it's about introducing a new member to the candy family. Take for instance The Perfect Bowl, it is an embodiment of Helle's vision of the quintessential bowl, and as a product, it is meant to radiate elegance and majesty.

All of Helle Mardahl's glass pieces possess a mesmerising interplay of light and colour, transforming them into tableware, lighting, and art objects that beguile the senses. Product names such as Bonbonniere and colour names like Milky Rose and Blueberry Ice Cream weave a narrative of a world where glass transcends its materiality to become a vessel of artistry and whimsy. The product designer's creations are a convergence of utility and sculpture, where a cake stand isn't just a platform; it's representative of the fusion of light and form that dances between the whimsy of Alice in Wonderland and the opulence of Versailles.

The inception of this vibrant collection found its roots in a simple thought – a desire to see personally cherished colours come to life. Helle effectively uses hues she adores as muses. The result is a whimsical realm of candy-inspired designs, each bearing an organic allure that transforms glass into a multisensory experience. This sentiment is echoed in Helle's philosophy of involving all senses: "You can suck it, you can lick it, you can hold it." Whether it be the picture-perfect ‘bon bons’ or the almost cartoonish cherry on the side of the cocktail glass, the pieces of the collection certainly invoke all these senses.

The creative process behind these ethereal glass pieces is an alliance of tradition and innovation. With the ancient art of mouth-blowing at its core, each object possesses a unique identity, an essence that springs to life through countless meticulous steps. From the raw glass to the intricate brass details, from individual designs to the assembly of each lamp, every phase is imbued with precision and dedication. As a testament to their singularity, each piece is a one-of-a-kind creation, graced with Helle Mardahl's signature.

Working with glass isn't just craftsmanships; it's a dance with an unpredictable partner. Glass, as Helle puts it, "has its very own life." The act of shaping it requires not just skill, but patience, control, and a deep sense of calm. The dance between fire and glass, warmth and material, results in an organic metamorphosis, where rigidity surrenders to malleability, and colours merge and metamorphose. This harmonious dynamism culminates in the creation of objects that marry the ethereal with the tangible.

The passion that fuels Helle's work resonates in every piece she creates. The unpredictability of glass is reflected in every piece of the collection, infusing every glass creation with a sense of wonder. The Candy Series One ’23 creates a world where glass morphs beyond its constraints and is accented with a sense of whimsy.

With every piece painstakingly crafted and instilled with the enchantment of glass, the Candy Series One ’23 invites you to embrace the allure of the unforeseen, indulge in hues that mirror the desires of the palate, and revel in the tactile intimacy with the artistry. Beyond a mere assortment, it's an open invitation to awaken your senses and embark on a journey through a realm where glass evolves into a medium for enchantment.

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