MUNTHE ART MONDAY: MALIN PIERRE
Please introduce yourself and tell us about what you do.
My name is Malin Pierre and I work with glass. I create organic glass sculptures inspired by haute couture and the contrast between the soft and the hard. I'm drawn to the idea of how different materials look and behave, motivated by the shift from soft fabric to the hard but fragile glass. The forms and structures are abstract with the sense of soft textiles. All originals are sewn in fabric with padding to create volume and airiness. The core of my work reconciles the inherent contradictions present in a medium that is neither liquid nor solid. An amorphous solid, glass exists somewhere between two states of matter.
Malin is wearing Tazzy sweatshirt and Obey jeans.
Can you name some other female (artist) that inspires you and explain why they do so?
I have a lot of female artists who inspire me, but I always end up coming back to my biggest inspiration—my grandma. She passed away two years ago at the age of 96. Even at that age, she was curious about craft and always supportive of my artistic practice. When I was younger, she taught me how to make handicrafts with textiles. She taught me how to stitch, sew, weave, and much more, always with the feeling that everything was possible. I've had this knowledge for a long time now, and it's only upon becoming an artist that I can truly see it as a benefit and also as "hidden" knowledge that I really appreciate. Just imagine how vast the knowledge of handicrafts is out there, knowledge we often take for granted simply because it has never been valued as something significant, just something that women do.
What has been the most challenging aspect of being a woman in the arts?
The most challenging aspect of being a woman in the arts involves several difficulties, many of which extend beyond the art world. Balancing motherhood with pursuing an artistic career has been one of my biggest challenges. As a mother of two, completing five years of study required a lot of balance between family responsibilities and my artistic ambitions. However, this challenge is not unique to the art world; it is a struggle shared by women in many fields who strive to excel professionally while raising a family.
Despite these challenges, I find strength and motivation in the progress that is being made. The growing presence of female artists in the glass industry and the broader art world is a testament to the changing tides. There is a new era emerging, one where women are not only participating but also leading and innovating. This shift brings hope and inspiration, showing that with persistence and resilience, the barriers can be overcome.
Could you explain more about how being a woman has affected your career?
I guess I have never believed I could become an artist, although I think it's more about my background than being a woman. I grew up in the northern part of Sweden with working-class parents. Despite this, I have chosen a material traditionally dominated by men. Working with glass requires hard and heavy labor and a lot of focus. As a woman in this industry, you have to work even harder. I'm proud to be part of a new era of female glass artists blowing their own glass.
What would you like people to notice in your artwork?
When people view my artwork, I hope they notice the magical qualities that bring a sense of enchantment, even if only for a moment. My sculptures are designed to evoke a sense of wonder, capturing the intricate play between softness and hardness, fragility and strength. The organic forms and abstract structures are intended to draw viewers in, inviting them to explore the delicate balance that glass embodies.
I also want to ignite curiosity about the technique behind my creations. Working with glass is a labor-intensive process that demands precision and a deep understanding of the material. I use a method called Hot Blow Mold (HBM), where I blow glass into a heated plaster mold. This technique means each mold can only be used once, making every sculpture unique. My work begins with textiles, either sewn or knitted, which are then translated into glass.
I hope my sculptures not only captivate and inspire but also provoke thought and curiosity. By engaging with my work, I want viewers to feel a connection to the material, to appreciate the craftsmanship involved, and to recognize the artistry in every piece. If my art can spark an interest in glass and its possibilities, then I feel I have succeeded in my creative mission.
