Every room needs a conversation piece that prompts inquiry and discussion – an intriguing point-of-interest towards which those in the room will instinctively gravitate. Functional Art captivates the attention of everyone who enters that room, because the everyday furniture it emulates is seen from an altered perspective. Although Art Furniture seems utilitarian at first glance, it’s recognizably something other - something different. On second glance, it’s not simply furniture but also an art object. Although an art object is usually ornamental, Art Furniture has the unlikely quality of practical purpose as well. Functional Art is a hybrid – an anomaly – a fascinating exception that no longer neatly “fits” into the everyday world of the ordinary that surrounds it. That’s why I do functional art!

 

In a more general sense, much of my work revolves around the juxtaposition and combination of opposites. Art furniture, by its very nature is like that. It's often an exercise in caprice that results in the whimsical. The curvature of organic flow that merges into the structured lines of geometrical forms. The rigid structure of a steel lamp outfitted with a shade of soft, flexible fabric. This is my art.

 

A lamp can often be as decorative as it is utilitarian. Moreover, a floor lamp can easily function as a stand-alone piece of sculpture in places where a sculpture might seem overly ostentatious or out of place. In these instances, the presence of an art lamp is given a “pass” because of its usefulness. Even so, the functional nature of my lamps is always subordinate to its sculptural and decorative qualities.

 

I craft my lamps from Steel. Out of the various mediums in which I’ve worked, Steel is by far my favorite medium. Add a little heat and a rigid piece of steel becomes as pliable as clay. Add a little more heat and you can instantly join the pieces together. Within minutes, after it cools, you have a finished piece of work as durable as anything on the planet!

 

The base of each lamp may be any one of an ever-changing selection of original shapes and innovative configurations that help to define the character of the lamp which it supports.

 

Lampshades are important components of all my lamps. None of my shades are an afterthought, simply meant to shield light from the eyes. Every shade is an intrinsic part of the design of each lamp. These shades are often flat, adjustable platens which may be moved up or down and often function as flaps which pivot from side to side. In many ways the shades (also crafted from steel) are the most unique parts of each lamp. A shade or group of shades may consist of a set of geometric forms or may define a variety of other objects such as: shells, feathers, flames, clouds, etc. A lamp itself may be inspired by and depict a variety of themes, songs, a concept, or a seemingly endless array of abstract forms.

 

I put a great deal of thought into selecting the fabric for each lamp. The fabric must “speak” to me and complement the design of a lamp. In more than one instance, I’ve designed a lamp to fit a particular fabric. I hope you enjoy viewing my art as much as I enjoy making it.