Catalyst - Final Outcome

For my final outcome, I decided to use the IQlight pattern from Holger Strøm to create a globe-like lamp with perforated surfaces. The perforations in this surface would let light through the lamp and play shadows across surfaces.  In my first experiment, I used regular paper; however, I didn’t succeed as the material let through too much light. I decided to use a thicker material the second time around. I used cardstock and this time my lamp proved to be successful.

Catalyst - Development and Process

Continuing on with my project, I developed upon my research and picked out shapes and structures that I myself associate with minimalism and I brainstormed these ideas as my starting point. These vague ideas then developed into possible objects. I was first heading towards creating a shelving unit for a desk but then altered my idea to creating a desk lamp.

Lights shine in different ways at different angles and at different intensity’s; it all depends on the purpose of the light. I wanted my light to be intense and I wanted the user of my product to have the ability to shine the light at any angle they wish without having to move the position of the lamp.

I came up with a range of ideas for a desk lamp and even went on to create a design on sketch up, however, for me, these ideas did not impress me enough. I asked for some peer feedback on my designs. The majority of the feedback I received said my designs were original and there were some great forms however a popular comment I received was that my sketch up model looked more like a studio light rather than a desk light. I didn't receive the response I wanted and so I decided to act upon this feedback and go back and start experimenting again.

 

I created random forms made up of basic shapes and created effects with these using a light source. Some of these effects were created using a light shining into a translucent cylinder of paper. Different coloured lights, different materials, and different objects were used to get various effects. Others were from an object with a patterned opening and multiple light sources.

I shone my light through a cup of water, the water spread the light out and made it cover a bigger surface area which I found rather fascinating. The same results occurred when I shone my light through a cardboard box and paper box that had cut outs in it. This again intrigued me and inspired me to narrow my final idea down to a lamp with various cut-outs for the light to shine through.

Catalyst - Research

To begin this project I started out by researching minimal products and the way different designers approach this minimalistic theme in their designs. Through my research, I came across designer Victor Castanera. He worked with a Swedish design brand called oblure and crafted some beautiful minimalistic lamps.

Looking at his products, they seem to be a very conceptual piece of work between art and design. The fixed impossible position of the orbs is an expression of the fragility of existents. All of the entities move and nothing remains still. Balance is the main subject area in this product, everything is in motion. He has taken simple forms and created a unique masterpiece from it. This is something I am inspired to do in my work. 

The lamp’s base is made from black marble to help steady the structure, while delicate hand-blown glass orbs sit around the light bulbs, slotted between the angular steel shelves. Black metal spheres have also been added, acting as a counterweight to the glass orbs.

 Another designer that stood out to me was Hayden Martis. He released a collection recently called 'Fallen fall of Bowl'. 

These bowls are not your regular shaped bowl; they are constructed of a more plane structure. The bowl can be used both ways; one side is much deeper than the other. The inner shaping of the bowl interior is designed to subtly differentiate the two offerings, all comprised of Italian stone and perfectly crafted in one seamless sculpture. The multi-use aspect of this bowl makes is a versatile product to have which is I think is great. It can be used as a bowl for fruit or a stand to place your keys on. People nowadays love products that can do more than one thing.