1000 Vases exhibition in Dubai was a cascade of design. Thousand vases at the modernistic atrium space all had their clever details, contemporary twists and interesting use of mediums. Being invited to the international design event was one of the highlights of my spring time.

My green Rainforest glass vases were premiered in the exhibition. Despite so many vases in the show, the set up was fresh and elegant. Each and every one of the objects had their place to shine. Picture @nateleecocks
I really enjoyed the opening day. Meeting all the artists and designers was inspiring – let alone the great exhibition team that worked miracles helping with all the last minute hustle. Picture @nateleecocks
The technique used in the green Rainforest vases is steam stick. It’s one of the iconic techniques from the golden era of Finnish glass design. I enjoyed seeing the vases side by side and contrasting with modern Tube vases by Fabio Meliota. Picture @nateleecocks
The 1000 Vases exhibition was also honored to welcome the Sheikh of Bahrain. The Abu Dhabi TV also visited the show. Picture credit 1000 Vases.
All the guests got fresh hyacinth flowers to take home. Such a lovely idea!
Flowers were also a important part of the set up. After all: vase and a flower have a long history together. Though many of the exhibition pieces can also be seen as sculptures, there is always the throwback of usable object when we look at a vase.
My glass series is blown in the glass town of Riihimäki, in Mafka & Alakoski glass studio. Pieces are shaped by hand, signed and numbered.
The venue was located in Dubai Design District. The area is full of galleries, design folks and creative companies. The 1000 Vases exhibition was created in collaboration with Meet My Project and TAM. Picture @nateleecocks
During my visit to Dubai I was happy to also be invited to VIP opening of the Art Dubai fair’s main event. The Madinat Jumeirah with water canals and palace-like buildings was very different with all the dull congress centres I have usually seen here in Europe.
Art Dubai 2019 presented more than 90 galleries from 40 different countries. Contemporary, Modern, Residents as well as the inaugural edition of Bawwaba. It was great to meet so many interesting connections for the future collaborations. Picture credit Päivi Lavikainen
When we had some quiet time inbetween the exhibition events, it was also interesting to see the unique nature around the Dubai area. The silence of the desert was very contrasting with the city life. I took some pictures of my Vuoksi glasses in this magical surrounding!
The most inspirational location was the town of Al Madam, the ‘Buried Village‘ lost in sand.