Overview
The Lamp, also titled Protection, is an exploration of contrasting materiality in functional sculpture. The form was inspired by the cell sturcture of Callomitra, microscopic single-celled marine plankton which exhibit spherical center points with symmetric tetrahedral frames or “sails”.
Drawn to the complexity of the geometry, it also served as a perfect vessel for light, providing rigid structure with minimal obstruction, as well as versatility in its presentation. While displayed above as a floor lamp, it could just as easily be mounted to a wall or hung from a ceiling.
The sails of the sculpture are welded sheet metal, while the delicate core of light is entirely paper mache, crafted within the metal structure to ensure a snug, natural fit without the need to segment or afix it to the sails.