A few weeks back, we reported on Ketel One® Vodka’s new initiative in support of young craftsmen and women, The Modern Craft Project. The 3 finalists have been announced: John Pomp of John Pomp Studios, Magda Sayeg of Knitta, and Paul Cunningham of Leather Head Sports have all been selected as the recipients of a $10,000 grant from Ketel One Vodka to grow and develop their craft brands. The finalists, who were chosen from among 10 semi-finalists, have all excelled in their trade, which, according to the contest criterion set forth by Ketel One Vodka, include a mastery of traditional skills in the modern context. Having been selected by Carl Nolet, Jr. and Bob Nolet, 11th Generation Distillers of Ketel One Vodka, and Tony Chambers, Wallpaper* Editor in Chief, stay on the look out for more great things from these talented individuals.
top left, Knitta: Magda Sayeg has taken a traditional craft, knitting, and modernized it by inserting it into the urban environment. Sayeg has been chosen not only because of her unique and innovative re-imagining of knitting, but also because she has inspired legions of knitters to do the same. She intends to use the endowment to finance prototypes, and create relationships with people in industries not necessarily related to knitting, such as lighting and industrial design, in hopes of continuing her innovation.
John Pomp Studios: The art of glassblowing is modernized for a 21st century context by master glass blower John Pomp. With a wabi-sabi aesthetic, his molten glass, organic forms aren’t just beautiful to look at; they also serve as lighting fixtures. With the Ketel One Vodka’s endowment, Pomp intends to build a custom kiln to revolutionize his craft process.
Leather Head Sports: Paul Cunningham’s love for beautiful modern craftsmanship and the sculptural forms of sports balls led him to start Leather Head Sports, where he designs and creates footballs, baseballs, and more in exquisite leathers. With the Ketel One Vodka’s endowment, Cunningham looks to create the finest leather baseball gloves around – completely hand made from 35 separate parts.
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