When I came across SØKTAS, I was mesmerised by the minimalist free floating forms that looked like they were almost malleable! The glass pendants have a distinctive character, delicate design and are truly unique works of art.
Oliver’s craft of creating beautiful glass art has been passed on to him by his father and grandfather both of whom worked at the illustrious and traditional Kosta Boda Glassworks in Sweden. Working internationally over the last 15 years, Oliver honed his skills at shaping hand blown glass and created his very own signature style clearly evident in all their collections.
SØKTAS is the perfect balance of teamwork, creativity and business acumen. Oliver is the hands-on creative genius designing these beautiful light pendants while Ryan, with his keen sense of business manages the operational end of the brand.
When I asked Ryan what the name of the company meant, he said, "SØKTAS means Searched in Norwegian. Oliver and I first met while living in Oslo, Norway. So we both have a special bond with the place and that's why we chose the name SØKTAS."
It is quite fitting since SØKTAS is a reflection of both their stories and visions. I had the opportunity to chat with the dream team to find out how it all began and their vision forward.
Can you share with us your creative journey to where you are now?
We are both passionate about making functional glass art. We conceptualised our idea in Oslo, Norway where we first met. Oliver’s father and grandfather worked at the renowned Kosta Boda Glassworks in Sweden, and the craft has been passed down through the generations. At SØKTAS , Oliver focuses on creating and designing the unique pieces, while I operate the business. (Ryan)
When I asked Ryan what the name of the company meant, he said, "SØKTAS means Searched in Norwegian. Oliver and I first met while living in Oslo, Norway. So we both have a special bond with the place and that's why we chose the name SØKTAS."
It is quite fitting since SØKTAS is a reflection of both their stories and visions. I had the opportunity to chat with the dream team to find out how it all began and their vision forward.
Can you share with us your creative journey to where you are now?We are both passionate about making functional glass art. We conceptualised our idea in Oslo, Norway where we first met. Oliver’s father and grandfather worked at the renowned Kosta Boda Glassworks in Sweden, and the craft has been passed down through the generations. At SØKTAS , Oliver focuses on creating and designing the unique pieces, while I operate the business. (Ryan)
What has been the inspiration behind SOKTAS and your bespoke designs?
Swedish design has been my inspiration having worked with my father and learning the craft from him and other glass makers from Scandinavia over the years. (Oliver)
How would you define your style and how has it evolved over the years?
It's hard to define your own style but if I had to describe it I would say organic and functional. (Oliver)
Do you have a favourite collection or design?
I really enjoy making the VØLT pendant lights, they are really challenging to make but help hone the craft of blowing glass. No two lights are ever the same which makes it fun to create. (Oliver)
What is a typical workday like for you?
Waking up early, setting up the studio and emptying the previous days work, followed with the glass making process for around 6 hours. Cutting and grinding the pieces after the hot work later in the day and then melting the next days batch of glass during the night. (Oliver)
Can you describe the design process?
The design process starts of as an ‘idea’ and then many days are spent trying to execute the idea in the glass studio. Adjustments are made along the way and eventually the design is brought to life after a lot of trial and error. (Oliver)
What are you working on at the moment?
We have been working on creating VØLT lights in our 3 sizes for the moment. It has been a lot of work and we are very happy with the progress so far. (Ryan)
What advice can you give those seeking a career in lighting design?
Enjoy the journey and continue to grow your ideas. Create authentic designs that you like and do it for yourself and not for anyone else. (Oliver & Ryan)
What 3 words describe your brand?
Authentic. Organic. Distinctive. (Ryan)
Can you share 3 things people don’t know about you?
Love surfing and snowboarding. My family is Swedish but I grew up in NZ. (Oliver)
Which is your favourite room in your home and why?
The kitchen because its where the best stories are shared. (Ryan)
Where do you see SOKTAS in five years time?
We see SOKTAS making more glass and having a good time doing it. (Oliver & Ryan)
What is your favourite inspirational quote?
When in doubt, send it.
Lighting has the power to make or break a room design. Yes, there are lights that are a practical necessity, however lighting is more than just utilitarian. As jewellery is to women, lighting is to interior design and SØKTAS glass pendants truly adorn the room creating a statement design feature and lending to an overall bespoke interior.
With a design style that is clean and minimal yet so distinctive, SØKTAS is definitely destined to scintillate!
Till next time... shop the gorgeous SØKTAS pendants and wall lights here!
Swedish design has been my inspiration having worked with my father and learning the craft from him and other glass makers from Scandinavia over the years. (Oliver)
How would you define your style and how has it evolved over the years?It's hard to define your own style but if I had to describe it I would say organic and functional. (Oliver)
Do you have a favourite collection or design?I really enjoy making the VØLT pendant lights, they are really challenging to make but help hone the craft of blowing glass. No two lights are ever the same which makes it fun to create. (Oliver)
What is a typical workday like for you? Waking up early, setting up the studio and emptying the previous days work, followed with the glass making process for around 6 hours. Cutting and grinding the pieces after the hot work later in the day and then melting the next days batch of glass during the night. (Oliver)
Can you describe the design process?The design process starts of as an ‘idea’ and then many days are spent trying to execute the idea in the glass studio. Adjustments are made along the way and eventually the design is brought to life after a lot of trial and error. (Oliver)
What are you working on at the moment?We have been working on creating VØLT lights in our 3 sizes for the moment. It has been a lot of work and we are very happy with the progress so far. (Ryan)
What advice can you give those seeking a career in lighting design?Enjoy the journey and continue to grow your ideas. Create authentic designs that you like and do it for yourself and not for anyone else. (Oliver & Ryan)
What 3 words describe your brand?Authentic. Organic. Distinctive. (Ryan)
Can you share 3 things people don’t know about you?Love surfing and snowboarding. My family is Swedish but I grew up in NZ. (Oliver)
Which is your favourite room in your home and why?The kitchen because its where the best stories are shared. (Ryan)
Where do you see SOKTAS in five years time?We see SOKTAS making more glass and having a good time doing it. (Oliver & Ryan)
What is your favourite inspirational quote?When in doubt, send it.
Lighting has the power to make or break a room design. Yes, there are lights that are a practical necessity, however lighting is more than just utilitarian. As jewellery is to women, lighting is to interior design and SØKTAS glass pendants truly adorn the room creating a statement design feature and lending to an overall bespoke interior.With a design style that is clean and minimal yet so distinctive, SØKTAS is definitely destined to scintillate!
Till next time... shop the gorgeous SØKTAS pendants and wall lights here!
xox
Rani
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