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Optimist / Pessimist

HALF EMPTY OR HALF FULL?

Architect Hans Bølling designed these two characters that exemplify the duality in each of us: ying vs yang, happy or sad. Their carefully designed bodies are only different in demeanor, revealing the power of expression in defining one as an Optimist and the other a Pessimist. Together the Optimist and Pessimist embody the balance, and reality, of life.

Material: Handmade in teak wood
Dimension: H13 cm

About Designer
Hans Bølling

Bølling’s work is known for its play, humor and wit. A passionate spirit whose practice and products are inspired by creative diversity, Bølling’s interest in architecture drew him back to school for a secondary degree after training as an advertising designer, growing his practice beyond objects to include villas, living complexes and town halls. 

Early in his career he began to craft small figures from botanicals as gifts for family and friends. The precision and personality in his objects paved the way for success as he quickly began to sell the wooden figures to stores.

 

As luck would have it, Bølling shortly thereafter won an award for the designs and invested the winnings into his own carpentry machine. The access to the means of production kick-started the production of Bølling’s now-famous Duck and Duckling in the 1950’s. 

Years later, Hans still stops by the Architectmade office, checking in on his beloved products, his lively, cheerful spirit inspiring more ideas than we know what to do with! 

Born: 1931
Education: Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts