Oiva Toikka facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Oiva Kalervo Toikka
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Toikka in 1958
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| Born | 29 May 1931 Viipurin maalaiskunta, Finland
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| Died | 22 April 2019 (aged 87) Helsinki, Finland
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| Alma mater | University of Art and Design Helsinki |
| Employer | Iittala |
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Notable work
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Birds by Toikka, Kastehelmi |
| Spouse(s) | Inkeri Toikka |
| Awards | Kaj Franck Design Prize Prince Eugen Medal Pro Finlandia |
Oiva Kalervo Toikka (born May 29, 1931 – died April 22, 2019) was a famous Finnish glass designer. He was especially known for his amazing designs for the company Iittala.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Oiva Toikka was born in Viipurin maalaiskunta, Finland. This area is now part of Russia. He grew up on a farm. The rich history of his home area greatly influenced his art.
Toikka first studied ceramics at the University of Art and Design Helsinki. Later in his life, he began to focus on designing with glass.
Famous Glass Designs
Oiva Toikka became very well-known for his beautiful glass designs for the Finnish company Iittala. He created many popular items. Some of his most famous works include the Kastehelmi and Flora tableware from the 1960s. He also designed the Pioni and Krouvi collections in the 1970s.
Birds by Toikka
One of Toikka's most famous creations is the "Birds by Toikka" series for Iittala. He started designing these unique glass birds in 1972. By the time he passed away in 2019, he had created over 400 different kinds of birds.
Each of these glass birds was made by hand using a method called "mouth-blowing." This means skilled craftspeople blew molten glass into shape. Toikka's designs were first made at the Nuutajärvi glassworks. Today, they are produced at the Iittala glass factory in Hämeenlinna.
Other Creative Work
Besides his glass designs, Toikka also explored other artistic areas. He worked as a stage and costume designer for plays and operas. He often collaborated with Finnish director Lisbeth Landefort.
Toikka also helped illustrate Landefort's autobiography. In his later years, he contributed to productions at the Finnish National Theatre and the Finnish National Opera. Sometimes, he even designed patterns for fabrics for the company Marimekko.
Awards and Recognition
Oiva Toikka received many important awards for his work. These awards recognized his talent and contributions to design. Some of his notable awards include:
- The Lunning Prize in 1970
- The Finnish State Award for Crafts and Design in 1975
- The Pro Finlandia Medal in 1980
- The Kaj Franck Design Prize in 1992
- The Finland Prize in 2000
- The Prins Eugen Medal in 2001
