Inspired by Nature & Living
Much of my work is inspired by organic forms with a particular interest in how light performs around objects. Being legally blind, this vision of light emanating from the peripheries and the highly tactile nature of my work reflect the alternative sensory world within which I design.
The Birds Nest Entrance Piece and Lily Lamp are examples of works that combine hand carving techniques and bending to recreate natural forms; while the Cracked Log Lamps and Off Kilter Night Light express my continued interest in the dispersion of light.
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Cracked Log Lamps
The Cracked Log Lamps are made from salvaged logs which would otherwise have been burnt. These lamps embrace, rather than avoid the naturally occurring cracks in refuse logs. By turning them into a vessel for light, we can bring the outside in, and be reminded of our intrinsic connection with nature. The warm yellow light coming through the Cracked Log Lamps highlights the fiery fate that the salvaged timber would have otherwise been exposed to.
Bird’s Nest Entrance Piece
The Bird’s Nest Entrance Piece employs steam-bending techniques to create a natural flowing line, where the steamed timber relaxes into a smooth curving form. Using hand carving techniques the piece represents the organic form of a tree.
The birds nest can be used to hold high-use every-day items, while the branches can hold bags and clothing.
Lily Lamp
The Lily Lamp is directly inspired by natural form. It is set on a turned Tasmanian Eucalypt base, which then flows onto a hand-carved bent wood stem. Each stem being hand carved, encourages the observer to appreciate the lamp through touch as well as through sight.
The form of the shade encapsulates three dimensional curves, making porcelain the chosen medium. The lily inspired shade is also translucent when the light is turned on.
Off Kilter Night Light
Off Kilter refers to the way that the two boxes are stacked upon one another in an out-of-balance manner. These battery operated lights operate by simply turning the unit upside down and are rechargeable via a USB connection. To access the USB interface, there is a sliding door on the side of the bottom box. The spiral nature of the horizontal lines highlights my continued interest in the dispersion of light. The light emanating from Off Kilter works best at night.
Leaning Leaf Table
The shapes and curves of the Leaning Leaf Table imitate those found in nature, while maintaining simplicity in design.
Symbiosis
Not wanting to ironically destroy the environment from where in I get my inspiration from, I aim to use sustainably sourced timber for my furniture. My work should not merely be seen as something that looks nice, it should remind us of our intrinsic connection with nature and the effect that we have upon it.
Note: all pieces are not rated for outdoor use, unless otherwise stated.