A bewitching project of contemporary folk art, Cake Vases are inspired by the technique of making Spettekaka, a popular dessert in the southern parts of Sweden—the country where Contextual Design MA graduate Erika Emerén was born.
Now based in the Netherlands, the Design Academy Eindhoven alumni decorates her Cake Vases with bold pops of pop culture influence—colourful pieces brought to life with the use of a rotating paper mâché cylinder that echoes the curious Spettekaka-making; her outré creations then subsequently fired and heavily glazed. Good enough to eat, if you will.
“Sometimes what is believed to be Swedish historically, is just as international as images of desserts surfacing social media today,” states Emerén, noting the extravagant Spettekaka’s affinity to the Instagram age’s obsession with mashup foods and elaborate sweet concoctions. Honouring both traditional techniques and modern day aesthetics, Erika Emerén’s decorative creations resulting in contemporary folklore vases with icing on top. “Decoration becomes the sole construction of the pieces,” the designer continues. “It is a celebration of the everyday knick-knack and a homage to all the cakes ever loved.”
Cake Vases Photography, courtesy Erika Emerén
