Is it art or a light fixture -- or both? The beauty of putting light into a ceramic form is that it can be an interesting piece on its own, while providing a unique accent light at the same time. Unlike any standard light fixture, a sculptural ceramic lantern casts shadows in unusual ways, letting light through openings in the form or alternatively, through ultra-thin porcelain walls. A porcelain lantern with a thin, carved surface will cast images and patterns when light shines through (see photos below). The piece at left is is a new one of mine, a closed cylinder with pierced "shells" covering the form.
The lantern above, on the left, is by Amy Cooper, an artist who makes lovely, organic, porcelain luminaries of many sizes and shapes. At right is a unique wall sconce by Leo Peck. I found the image of his sconce through the Artful Home website.
I've always enjoyed experimenting with adding light to my sculptures, and I made several new lanterns over the last year. I'm pleased to have four of them included in an upcoming show at Florida
CraftArt, titled “LightHeaded: New Directions in Fine Craft Lighting." The exhibition includes some very unusual pieces and vows to offer a "new look at fine-craft lighting." The show runs from
February 10 to March 24, in St Petersburg, Florida. For more information, check their website: http://www.floridacraftart.org/exhibitions/lightheaded/
Images of my lanterns included in the show are below:
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