The lamps
I created these in the workshop at the back of my camper van while exploring the small roads of Europe. Each unique model combines natural materials with abandoned man-made objects I found in the wild.
They are a metaphor for our times.
When we throw something “away”, it doesn’t cease to exist. It often ends up in nature, becoming part of the landscape we live in. These lamps literally and figuratively shine a light on a big question our civilization faces today: if we really want to, can we reconcile human activity with the natural world?
If we decide that we can, we might as well do it with style.
CAGE
Steel mesh wardrobe door from France. Lampshade made from nylon rope found in Italy. The bulb glows bright enough to project a grid pattern on the floor around the lamp. The unit is sturdy enough to sit on – great for parties where extra chairs are needed.
DUAL
Goulash tin can from Budapest, sandwiched between two layers of scrap wood found in Poland. The inside of the tin functions as a powerful spotlight, while the outside emits a smooth red glow. The two lights can be used independently (day/night) or together (ambient lighting). This is a 12V unit designed for van conversions.
LOG
Wooden log from the Greek seaside; glass jar from the Albanian roadside. The jar is stained in the same colour as the log, which is split open to reveal its core, allowing close-up examination of the electrical circuit. Safe, but exposed. A glowing paradox.
PIPELINE
Steel rods from a scrapyard in a French village; vegetable crates from a market in Germany for the lampshade. This bedside lamp contains an always-on 2A USB port, and a light source powerful enough to read a book (but soft enough to let your partner sleep).
SHARD
Shattered glass jar from an abandoned factory in Croatia; steel mesh from a wardrobe door in France. The shape of the shard allows the bulb to brightly illuminate the wall behind it, without blinding the observer. In fact, it dims the brightness sufficiently to allow close-up examination of the glowing bulb. Like staring at the sun, minus the retinal damage.
VACUUM
Vacuum cleaner hose from rural Slovakia. A copper pipe found in Montenegro runs through the inside. The head of the lamp is built using warped steel brackets, while the lampshade is made from nylon rope found in Italy. The head can be pivoted from desk lamp mode to ambient light mode, illuminating an entire wall with a warm, fire-like glow.
Some of them are still available for purchase. If you’re interested send me a message!