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Interview with Nina Jobs |
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Over the past decade, Nina Jobs has been recognised as a leader of Swedish design. Last year, she visited Japan as curator of a Swedish Style exposition, "A Trip to Sweden". All of her products are sensitive, playful and flexible. Nina's designs are also characterised by the subtle balance between form, function and material. She works with many international companies and organisations, including IKEA, David Design, Museum of Modern Art/New York, etc....
She works with many international companies and organizations including IKEA, David Design, Museum of Modern Art/New York, etc.
Style-pd : Can you tell us a bit about your background?
Nina Jobs : I started my career as a graphic designer. I studied in Paris, and after I finished my masters in textile design, I worked both with textile and illustrations.
Style-pd :You have designed for many companies. Which are you working for right now?
Nina Jobs : I am working a lot with IKEA now. I also work with David Design, Design House Stockholm, and Museum of Modern Art/New York, and so on.
Style-pd : You are very much involved with Japan. How did you become interested in the Japanese market?
Nina Jobs : In Paris, I established a contact with a Japanese agent in Tokyo. They were selling my products and I had my own design exhibition in their design gallery.I have been in touch with Japan on many occasions. I was in Japan for Swedish Style 2001 and 2002. Last year, I was a curator of Swedish Design's "A Trip to Sweden" at the Swedish Embassy, together with Monica Forster.
Style-pd : Do you see any similarities between Swedish and Japanese design?
Nina Jobs :Simplicity and connection with nature. I think the way of living in Sweden and Japan is quite similar. We live very close to nature. The material we use is connected to nature as well, such as wood, cotton and steel. I guess there is a similarity between Sweden and Japan, but I think there is an even stronger connection between Finland and Japan. When you look at Finnish products, you will feel a soul. They are not just simple and practical. There is a hidden passion in each product. Swedish design is a bit stiff, but in the new generation you can see a more playful way of design.
Style-pd : Why do you think that the Japanese like Swedish design so much? Is it the similarity?
Nina Jobs : I think that Japanese people are very trend-sensitive, and Sweden started producing lots of trendy, nice stuff in recent years. So it makes sense that Swedish design is appealing to Japanese, but it is also the result of Swedish Style in Tokyo.
Style-pd : Are there any Japanese designers that you are interested in?
Nina Jobs : Rei Kawakubo, head designer of label Comme des Garcons. Issey Miyake. Yoji Yamamoto.
Style-pd : Are you planning to go to Swedish Style in Tokyo this year?
Nina Jobs : Yes, I would like to join the event this year again. But this year I want to go there not as a curator, but as a designer.
Style-pd : Is there any concept you always keep in mind?
Nina Jobs : I am not really conscious about it, because it should reflect on my design naturally. If you look at my products you will find a concept inside of each product. But I am conscious about flexibility. I like products that have more than one way of usage, and something light and sensitive.
Style-pd:What inspires you?
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