Interview with Sonia Ponka
Designer Interview
15 April 2012
My father is very creative. However when he was young he chose to be Soviet Army Officer. And it took much more time for him then for me to realize that he needs to design something. So it is never too late... and after very useful experience of studying Japanese history, I became a design researcher in Kyoto Institute of Technology.
Another important reason, which influenced all my designing, is again my childhood. My family and I had to follow my army father from place to place. Sometimes few times a year. Our "furniture" were mostly huge army wooden boxes which we painted in cute colors. So that was first extremely multifunctional furniture I was influenced by.
Another important reason, which influenced all my designing, is again my childhood. My family and I had to follow my army father from place to place. Sometimes few times a year. Our "furniture" were mostly huge army wooden boxes which we painted in cute colors. So that was first extremely multifunctional furniture I was influenced by.
I am planning to have a company "MultiMono" in close future.
Design for me is a way to enjoy surroundings.
Multifunctional pieces.
Joe Colombo`s designs.
When I am not interrupted.
Function.
I can`t think about anything else.
I am making plans.
Up-to-dateness
First impression... and trying it out.
I guess there are a lot, but the beauty has to come first. However beautiful and environmental pieces are the best, aren`t they?
Definitely multifunctional, mass customized and user-friendly designs.
Tokyo Designer`s Week, November, 2012
I think anything can become inspiration, however I prefer to have a task (even small mission, may be). Trying to find the best solution is a great source of inspiration for me.
pop-constructivism?!
I really don`t know. I love constructivism (I am Russian) and I love Joe Colombo (blindly). So I always end up constructivish products, you can have fun with.
I really don`t know. I love constructivism (I am Russian) and I love Joe Colombo (blindly). So I always end up constructivish products, you can have fun with.
I have been living in Japan for 12 years and feel here more at home then in Russia. I think I can not understand the amount of influence I received. It is like radiation. You don`t know until it is too late :)
I work with them gladly.
I think companies should collaborate with designers who can design according brand characteristics.
I have to admit that I may sit for hours looking nowhere, but there is a process in my head. And then... I draw some sketches... and then sit again, or walk, or sleep... but driving is especially dangerous when I am processing...
Japanese washlet "Neorest", Mac, antique japanese cupboard, sofa, bed
I always wake up in the morning, and then everyday is different until I fall asleep sooner or later.
Don`t put your coffee cups on yours sketches - you will have problems with copyrights.
I am glad that I don`t have professional background. I got my master`s in design major, but before that I had no connection with design. I wish I had better skills in drawing, 3Dmodelling and so on. But I have a different perspective, which lucks common designer sense.
The piece should be easy to clean from dust.
To find new solutions.
Anything I need for particular project.
I hardly manage my time.
There is nothing perfect. I think every designer knows that own could be little better.
Oh, you are designer?
soniaponka@hotmail.com