After graduating as an art and interior designer from the Ikaalinen School of Crafts and Arts, Markus considered his options and found that glass appealed to him. He applied to the Nuutajärvi branch of the Tavastia Vocational College, where he completed a degree in glassblowing.
"Glass is an incredibly fascinating material! It's really versatile and challenging," Markus sums up. "Hot glass combines the artistic side, chemistry and physics and you always learn something new".
"Glass is an incredibly fascinating material! It's really versatile and challenging," Markus sums up. "Hot glass combines the artistic side, chemistry and physics and you always learn something new".
Markus is from Parkano. Today he lives in Nokia and works in the Nuutajärvi Glass Village and is a member of the Nuutajärvi Glass Artists Association. The association has about 20 members and maintains the glass hut and also provides both technical and emotional support.
Markus finds the work varied and enjoys it very much. Occasionally he blows glass but mostly he works in kiln techniques. Blowing is a very fast way of working, while kiln firing often takes several days. This creates a nice variety and counterbalance to the work.
Markus gets by with his job, but the economy is a big challenge, especially now that electricity prices are rising. Besides, glass as a material is expensive to work with. To cover the costs, you have to sell well. "I'd rather do what I like and live a little more frugally than work without any interest in work," Markus reflects.
Markus loves colours, contrasts and shapes and each piece is a unique creation and the joy of creating really shows in his work. Markus has received very positive feedback from the public about his bold use of colour and form and you really notice his work.
The ideas for his work can come from anywhere, from everyday life. Often the work proceeds by itself because there are so many stages in the process that you can't influence. Sometimes surprises occur, for example when the colours react differently to each other than planned.
Markus regularly participates in exhibitions, which requires him to create something new and make unique exhibits. In the spring he focuses on small series and the production of objects for sale for the summer season. Also in the small series, each piece is unique. Although the shape is the same, the patterns and colours vary and this allows Markus to realise his visual art dreams.
For Konstrundan’s visitors Markus opens his studio and demonstrates the working process of kiln techniques and, in the context of one series, also stained glass.
Nuutajärvi Glass Village has more than 25 000 visitors every year. It's worth a visit to immerse yourself in the world of glass!
Visitingpoint during Konstrundan 2022
217. Studiolasi Markus Mäkinen