Edvin Ohrstrom

Edvin Ohrstrom (1906-1994) brought a painter's perspective to the medium of glass. He was always searching in his vases and sculptures to maximize the unique, optical properties of glass as a medium to express art. In 1937 Ohrstrom partnered with Vicke Lindstrand and the Orrefors' glassblower, Gustav Bergkvist, to invent the technique of Ariel. The method of Ariel creates designs within multilayered, thick glass by trapping air cavities between the layers. The designs are formed on a mulitlayered blank by sandblasting, engraving or deep etching. After the design is created, the glassblowers return the vessel to a fluid state with heat, and enclose the design within an additional, clear layer of glass; finally, blowing and shaping the piece.

Edvin Ohrstrom studied art extensively in Stockholm and Paris including: the Royal Institute of Technology (1925-1928), the Royal Academy Art School (1928-1932), the Academie de l'Art Moderne (1932-1934). In Paris, Ohrstrom associated with many of the rising modernists including Fernand Leger. He joined Orrefors in 1936. Throughout Ohrstrom's long connection with Orrefors until 1957, he devoted two months each year to the glassworks and the remainder of his time to private studio work.

Works by Edvin Ohrstrom