HEIKKI ORVOLA | 1943– | FINLAND
Heikki Orvola is a Finnish designer. He studied ceramics at the University of Industrial Arts in Helsinki under Kyllikki Salmenhaara. In 1968, during his final year of study, he joined Nuutajärvi as a summer intern to learn glassmaking, and two of his pressed-glass ashtrays, Omena and Norsuntassu, were soon put into production. Although he had already secured a position at Arabia, Kaj Franck invited him to stay on at Nuutajärvi, where he began his career as a designer. At the time, both Arabia and Nuutajärvi were part of the Wärtsilä group, and Kaj Franck served as art director for both companies.
Heikki Orvola remained at Nuutajärvi until 1983, designing numerous products as well as art pieces. He later continued to work as a freelance designer across a wide range of fields, creating enamelware for Järvenpää Emali, ceramics for Arabia, and textiles for Marimekko. In the 1980s, Heikki Orvola also explored textile work and embroidery as part of his own artistic practice, further developing the decorative and graphic qualities of his expression.
At his alma mater, Heikki Orvola taught ceramic and glass design for many years, helping to guide the next generation of designers. His many honors include First Prize in the student category at the Faenza International Ceramic Art Competition, the Pro Finlandia Medal, and the Kaj Franck Prize.
