Guest contributor post by Julie Pasila
My final post from Reykjavik will be about a great little shop I found down by the harbour, located inside the eye-catching building you see above.
Netagerdin translates to ‘net production’ and references the history of the building and the area in which it sits. The space is home to three brands, whose designers work and sell their wares here (they also host the independent record label, Kongo).
Each of the designers contributes something unique to this space. BBolla is the brand of textile designer, Bryndis Bolladottir, who makes playful objects using Icelandic materials. These textiles orbs, which can hang from a wall or sit atop a surface, would add great texture to any space. They’re also available in a variety of colours if you need a little pop of something bright.
Stass is a collaboration between two architects, Árný Þórarinsdóttir and Helga G. Vilmundardóttir. Together, they design a line of lovely jewelry and home décor items, including these delightful powder-coated aluminum Fairytale Clocks.
Volki is a line of beautiful textiles made from local materials. I have to say, I’m head over heels for all of the amazing products made from Icelandic sheep’s wool (you may have noticed my enthusiasm in a previous post about Vík Prjónsdóttir). Wool is a beautiful product all on its own, but the designers here really know how to add new dimensions by playing with colour and shape.
Iceland has completely reinvigorated me creatively. The landscape alone is enough to inspire, but it’s the culture, the residents and the artists that are really something special. I’d love to stay longer and send dispatches for each and every beautiful object I find, but it’s time to move onto Finland, home of some of the design world’s heavyweights. Bye-bye, Reykjavik. Hello, Helsinki!
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Julie Pasila is a Canadian multidisciplinary artist and writer. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in Documentary Media from Ryerson University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art & English Literature from the University of Guelph. She is currently available for freelance assignments and exhibitions in Canada and abroad.
