last week we introduced the new d*s “regional roundup” column with part 1, so i thought it only fair to explain a bit about why i chose iceland to start. i must admit, i knew very little about iceland except it was an island in the north atlantic. then, essentially on a whim, i took advantage of icelandair’s free stopovers on my way back from europe and decided to see what reykjavik was all about. granted i only stayed for 24 hours, but in that short time i saw so much (it helps that it’s not a very big place) and was completely blown away by the incredible mix of natural beauty that surrounded me, and the design I saw in the city (you can see my first impressions here). it was fresh, forward and unlike any place i had ever been. the trip left me wanting to know more, and today i’m excited to share the second group of designers. stay tuned for the final installment of icelandic designers next tuesday and more great reasons to check out iceland for yourself. to view today’s full post click here or just click “read more” below. -anne
Katrin Olina
1. Where are you from? Where do you live now?
I’m from Iceland. I live between Reykjavik and Hong Kong.
2. Describe your work
I work with a graphic language that I have developed over the years. This language could be described as surreal and emotional, computer generated subconscious wanderings that have been translated to a large variety of products, designs, interiors and editorials. 
3. How is your work influenced by where you live?
As a human being and artist I’m deeply influenced by where I come from, Iceland.This country stimulates the imagination and the freedom of spirit.
4. Where do you go in Iceland when you want to feel inspired?
Into nature or to my computer to work.
5. How would you describe the Icelandic design scene?
I would say its in its promising beginning stages as a scene. I predict that with the evolution of technology in the near future, Icelandic art and design will be increasingly important on a global scale. 
6. If you could go anywhere where would you go?
I would visit the other dimensions in our universe.{images: forest of trees collaboration with Michael Young, snowboard featuring Noc from Icelandic lore, floor and wall design for Skin, Port wallpaper}
Click here to see more.
Hrafnkell Design + vikprjonsdottir collective
1. Where are you from? Where do you live now?
I am brought up in a small village in the south east Iceland. After several years of studying and working in Germany I moved back to Iceland for few years ago and now I live and work in Reykjavik.
2. Describe your workI work today both as a designer, a lecturer and a project manager in the field of product design. May intension is to make design influence social, economical and environmental development. A really good design is able to include these issues and thereby affect our perception and behaviour in the world. I have a large interest in revitalizing and transforming existing objects but also materials, techniques and skills.
3. How is your work influenced by where you live?
I can not say if my work is influenced by specific locations, things or persons. I get influenced in my work by nearby everything which surrounds my where I stay each time; my family, my friends, the people I work with, the news, the weather, the food…
4. Where do you go in Iceland when you want to feel inspired?
Lately I have been very fascinated by different objects in a museum in Iceland which conserves various old tools and equipment from earlier times. The description of some of these pieces opens a window to long forgotten icelandic way of surviving in a very sustainable way. I like to go there to get ideas for transformations and reevaluations.
5. How would you describe the Icelandic design scene?
Small, young, eager, open-minded and critical
6. If you could go anywhere where would you go?
Berlin… I am on my way there right now!{images: cup/glass, regional blanket by Vikprjonsdottir collective, tools you bake collaboaration with Sebastian Summa, homobile storage bench, Solskin solar lamp}
Click here and here to see more.
1. Where are you from? Where do you live now?
We [Bergthora + Joel] are both from Iceland and we live and work in the heart of Reykjavik.
2. Describe your work
We have a studio/showroom/music studio in an industrial building down by the old harbor of Reykjavik, overlooking the sea. There I do all the design work and prototypes and Joel handles everything in terms of sales, marketing and stuff like that. Apart from the Farmers Market activities Joel is a full-time musician and has been for a decade or so.
3. How is your work influenced by where you live?
In Iceland we have a strong tradition in hand-knits so I draw a lot of my inspiration from that source. Then of course we mostly use the icelandic wool from the icelandic farmers which has some unique qualities that differ from other kind of wool. We are also pretty concerned about our environment so we are very proud to be using this natural material which grows on free-range wonderful sheep that have literally kept the Icelanders alive for 1100 years both in terms of keeping them warm as well as fed. The yarn is even made here in Iceland by a factory that runs on geothermal energy. In terms of inspiring people we are so fortunate that most of our friends that come frequently to our studio are artist and creative people. Then we have made our industrial studio pretty cozy with all kinds of stuff that inspire us from modern design objects, old icelandic paintings to horns of sheep (that were a gift from an icelandic farmer and relative of mine).
4. Where do you go in Iceland when you want to feel inspired?
Every summer we go with our two sons on a trip with a tent and our jeep and camp out for at least 10 days in a row in order to get totally in touch with our roots. There is nothing in the world more inspirational than that.
5. How would you describe the Icelandic design scene?
It is very young and un-molded yet, but there is a lot of interesting stuff happening at this moment.
6. If you could go anywhere where would you go?
Kyoto in Japan.
{“Kisan” concept shop in Reykjavik is opening a shop in New York this summer. They will be located on 125 Greene Street, Soho with the whole Farmers Market collection for sale.}
Click here to see more.
1. Where are you from? Where do you live now?
Born in Reykjavik. Live in Reykjavik today.
2. Describe your work
Simple.
3. How is your work influenced by where you live?
By all kinds of things from my grandmothers home made stools to the lava fields spread over the country.
4. Where do you go in Iceland when you want to feel inspired?
Camping in isolated places. There are a lot of them.
5. How would you describe the Icelandic design scene?
young
6. If you could go anywhere where would you go? Japan
{images: new outdoor/indoor table called TableClothTable, [whale tooth] hooks, Icelandic lava tile, new ‘autumn leaves’ decorative window films, stool in the box}
Click here to see more.