We use a wide range of natural materials in the creation of our lights, chosen as much for their colors, textures, and responsiveness to light as for their structural properties. We prepare and work all these materials by hand. They include:

• cotton and abaca paper pulp

• local beeswax
• damar resin
• gold airbrush paint
• walnut dye

• bamboo
• wire of various types
• welded steel

• lighting fixtures

The Process

The first step is to form the armature. We use wire or bamboo, designing each lamp with the light fixture in mind for proper heat ventilation. The armature can be any form, shape or size. Often inspiration comes from flowers, sea creatures, insects, or an Asian aesthetic.

The paper is made of an abaca and cotton blend, using a mold and deckle to form sheets. The sheets are pressed with an eight-ton press to bind the fibers.

We apply the damp paper to the armature one panel at a time. No glue is used, just a soft brush to fold back the edges onto themselves forcing the fibers to bond together. Once the paper has dried taut, the piece is painted with watercolor paint using brushes and airbrushes.

When the paint is dry a resin is applied, acting as a protective layer that strengthens the lamp structurally and gives the paper a translucent, glowing quality.

The final step is to configure the electrical components, at which point the light is ready for installation.

Collaborations with Other Artists

We often collaborate with other artists. For example, we commission steel bases and framework from metalworker Jamie Nichols. And we work with ceramicists such as Jennifer Hill.