It is easy to think first of various structures – of table tops, seats and shelves held up by bases, rails and legs. But the most original types of furniture – which we still use in nature – are organic, growing forms. A stone, a rock surface or a tree trunk all function excellently to provide support and act as a seat. Or even to be laid as a picnic table.

“Ticka” is this kind of furniture: organically shaped shelves and seats inspired by the forest fungus called polypore (“ticka” in Swedish). Also called bracket fungus, this fungus is often found growing on trees but also sometimes on the ground. Many species have been very important to humans over the centuries, such as Fomes fomentarius (tinder fungus or hoof fungus), which checks bleeding and Phellinus igniarius (willow bracket or fire sponge), which was prized as kindling for fires. The furniture suite “Ticka” has been created by upholsterer Carina Grefmar and furniture designer Louise Hederström with the basic concept of showcasing both of their skill sets. Via a close-knit process of discussions, sketches and models, they display the qualities of both craft and design.

“Ticka” is created from leftover pieces of leather. This material was carefully selected for environmental and aesthetic reasons. In today’s leather processing industry, considerable amounts of the tanned leather are normally rejected. The demands for perfection are so high that the smallest stain or irregularity is enough to send the finished leather to the scrap heap. But this scarred leather with its visible marks is precisely what is used for “Ticka”. “We think it’s beautiful,” Carina and Louise say. “The scarred feeling gives the pieces more character and life.”

“Ticka” – a collaboration that challenges the meeting of craft and design.

Text by Ingrid Sommar.

DESIGNER: Louise Hederström
Louise is a furniture designer based in Malmö. After graduating in 1998 from Beckmans School of Design in Stockholm, she now has an extensive business as a designer. Her clients include some of the most respected manufacturing companies in Scandinavian design, such as Offecct, Skagerak and Maze. Louise regularly participates in exhibitions in Sweden and abroad and has also repeatedly been an instructor for various design education programmes.
More info: www.louisehederstrom.com

MANUFACTURER: Carina Grefmar
Carina is a furniture upholsterer based in Malmö. With a special focus on modern furniture classics, Studio Carina Grefmar, based in Malmö, re-covers all types of furniture, particularly with leather. Carina also works on special projects such as prototype development together with designers, as well as whole interiors. Her recurring clients include both private customers and companies such as furniture manufacturers, joiners, carpenters, restaurants and several of Sweden’s leading design and antique dealers.
More info: www.studiocarinagrefmar.se

With funding from the Swedish Arts Grants Committee

1+1=3

A series of portraits that highlights four collaborations between designers and manufacturers with a focus on process. The four collaborations originate from a project called Den Nya Kartan (The New Map), in which curator Jenny Nordberg pairs up designers and manufacturers, all based in Skåne, in order to demonstrate the strength of collaboration and also the creativity and sometimes magic that arise from such an encounter.