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SØKTAS, a Gold Coast lighting brand founded in 2015 by Oliver Höglund and Ryan Roberts, elegantly merges art with modern functionality.
When it comes to illuminating spaces, Oliver Höglund, a third-generation glass artist, draws from a rich family tradition, which is reflected in SØKTAS’s hand-blown glass lighting pieces. His grandfather, Erik Höglund, was a well-known glass artist in Sweden as is his father, Ola Höglund, who works under the Höglund Art Glass moniker. Höglund’s expertise in glassblowing – a skill he has honed since 2001 – is central to the brand’s creations.
At SØKTAS, the design process is notably fluid and experimental. “We don’t do any drawings,” explains Ryan Roberts. For example, the Flo wall light came from an unexpected result when Höglund was working on the Sol wall light. “It kind of collapsed on itself, and Ollie thought he’d stuffed it up, but it looked cool, so we thought, ‘Maybe we just do something like that.’”
The Coral range, a notable collection from SØKTAS, reflects a simple beach-inspired aesthetic inspired by the duo’s love of surfing. The design incorporates a sandblasted texture that resembles coral, elevating the pieces’ materiality.
The creation of each light is a detailed process. “All the glass is made in Currumbin by Ollie,” says Roberts. “When you’re making the actual piece, you’re only really working with it when it’s hot for a shortish period. Then the piece goes into the oven for 36 hours … at 500 degrees, then it slowly comes down to room temperature.” This careful tempering ensures both durability and quality.
By keeping the entire production process in-house, SØKTAS is able to maintain both a personal touch and impeccable standards. “We want to keep it local and Australian,” says Roberts. “It costs more but you have a better end product.” With an innovative approach and dedication to craftsmanship, SØKTAS continues to produce lighting fixtures that are both functional and artisanal, reflecting a tradition of glass artistry and contemporary design.
