lamp
Inspired by the elusive way clouds dissipate sunlight, my vision for this lamp was inspired by my time in Los Angeles, where smog and wildfires often painted the skies in striking hues. I aimed to capture that atmospheric quality - the way light was both diffused and imbued with a unique character .
I wanted to create a light structure that held a very natural and soft structure. I sketched various gourd-like shapes with vertical seams around the shape to create its silhouette. Keeping in mind the progressive nature of the curves from seam to seam, I invented a way to use 2 bases on top and bottom and an interlocking joint mechanism to create a sort of biomorphic tiered structure with flat pieces of wood.
Process:
CNC cut form with 3/4” plywood
Assemble the wood skeleton with an interlocking joint mechanism and insert light bulbs
Sew fabric shape with nylon fabric for its sheer, stretchy nature
Cover skeleton with sleeve and plug in :)
This is one of my initial sketches, understanding how I could recreate the natural and elusive form I imagined with wood. Each “bone” progressed from the next to create this undulating, multi-tiered shape. The CNC blueprint was very similar to this drawing.
I created a prototype using a laser cutter and thinner wood. The assembly process allowed me to understand how the pieces fit together successfully or unsuccessfully. And most importantly, an understanding of how to create the fabric cover to create the most successful manipulation of light dispersion. I overestimated the overall shape and size, causing the sleeve to gather and pucker at the skinnier parts. I realized I should rely on the stretch of the fabric and let it react to the form of the sculpture skeleton rather than overcompensating for the wider areas.