Boterra, founded by Irita Tīlane-Pakalniņa, is one of the design studios that will represent Latvia at the Baltic contemporary design exhibition Tactile Baltics during Milan Design Week. She creates unique ceramic design objects, experimenting with different clay textures, finishes, and colours. In the Nice Touch section, Irita talks about one of the tools she used to create the pieces in the Sweet Water collection, which will be on view in Milan.
«One of my favourite tools for ceramics is the wooden kitchen spatula. Maybe it’s because cooking is also close to my heart. This spatula can be used to perfectly shape an object and is particularly suitable if the object is made in mixed clay, like the pieces in the Sweet Water collection. This tool helps me avoid unnecessary mixing of different clay colours, and it’s just nice to smack something every now and then.»
Irita Tīlane–Pakalniņa founded the ceramics studio Boterra in 2023. The designer explores interdisciplinary expressions in visual and applied art, combining an experimental approach to materials and forms in her work and constantly searching for new sources of inspiration. Irita creates collectible design objects united by thematic collections. For example, the rough textures of the Sweet Water collection are inspired by the clear lakes and untamed nature of the North, and currently she is working on the Villa Boterra collection, a modern interpretation of various antique objects. Previously, Irita worked in fashion design for more than twenty years, developing fashion concepts and creating illustrations.
Boterra’s Sweet Water collection will be on show at Tactile Baltics in Milan from April 7 to 13, where 21 designers from Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia will be exhibiting together. Tactile Baltics will introduce Milan Design Week visitors to our region’s innovations, craft traditions, and cultural values, highlighting the best contemporary design from the Baltics.
Viedokļi