Contemporary Art Modern Design auction at Webbs
I have been in my studio testing some new clays for the production of my lighting designs. I have tried two different porcelains, and two different pure white slips. The results have been interesting, the varied light qualities that come from one clay to another are quite dramatic. Now its just a matter of deciding which one to run with!
The bases of my lights have changed too. Until now, the bases have been made from cast clear Resin. Resin is great in lots of ways for its ability to glow and the amazing colours you can make, but the bottom line is that it is incredibly toxic, and once cast there is no going back. Unlike other plastics, Resin is a thermoplastic, which means that it can not be melted down and re-cast, making it not very environmentally friendly.
Step by step I want to make my designs more and more eco-friendly, so I have decided to make new light bases from recycled timber floorboards. I have been getting off-cuts from demo yards and getting it turned by a local wood turner. The first run that I have made is New Zealand Matai, which I have sanded and waxed. They are gorgeous, and compliment the unglazed white ceramic shade.
Below is my latest light which I have been working on for an upcoming Modern Art auction at Webbs Auction House in Newmarket. The pattern is made up of multiple pierced Kowhai flowers. The flowers have a beautiful golden glow when lit, just like the colour they are in nature.
Kowhai is a one off design and can be viewed at Webbs Auction house, Manukau Rd Newmarket from the 22nd October.
Kowhai Light with hand turned Matai base
Kowhai Light birds eye view
