SWIZZLE-STIX ART LAMPS
Offers an endless array of choices for contemporary settings from Mid-Modern thru the present
BIRTH of the SWIZZLE-STIX© LAMP
The original Swizzle-Stix Lamp stands in the corner of the artist’s living room, where it has stood for almost a decade.
At some point, shortly after the turn of the century, I came across a gorgeous piece of handmade paper in the Arizona Art Supply store. Its overall color was an intense shade of cerulean blue with irregular while polka dots (about three-eighths of an inch) speckled across its surface. I was so entranced by the look of it, despite the fact I had no idea to what practical use the paper might be put, I bought a single sheet not withstanding its expensive price.
Having bought it, the question became how to display the paper in a practical way that didn’t look contrived. For that very reason, framing it hardly seemed like an option. Using it as a background for artwork would blemish its unspoiled surface. The thought of placing it under glass on a table top, also seemed lackluster and cliché. Doing that would reduce what I wanted to stand out to an afterthought sandwiched between glass and table. In addition, I was also limited by the paper’s size, which measured about 22 inches by 16 inches. So I did what I usually do. I put the paper aside and waited for inspiration. In this case, it was long in coming. Occasionally, I would take it out of the cardboard tube in which it was rolled and look at it, before carefully putting it away again. Finally, some months later, inspiration struck! What about using the paper as a lamp shade? Yet that would be a problem as well Given the width of the sheet, the paper wasn't stiff enough to support itself and it would sag under its own weight, if wrapped into a cylinder. Gluing it to a backing in order to stiffen it would ruin it. And yet, a lampshade seemed like the best option, for light, would then glow through the paper, illuminating it like stained glass. I thought about it further. I wanted something new and different. I think it was the polka dots that finally clenched it. What about a geometric shade of some kind? The option of a triangular shape was not a huge logical jump. Triangles have always figured prominently in my work. So why not use a triangular shade. The paper could be stretched across a triangular frame that would . . . . . but why just a single triangle? Why not use a series of different sizes? As usual, once a creative idea occurs, possible permutations are not far behind - often being released like a tidal wave. What about positioning these shades in an open structure? A kind of “free association” as it were, that would allow the lamp’s owner to configure the shades in whatever way seemed most pleasing?
Formed by a collection of thin, crisscrossing steel rods, Swizzle-Stix© is a versatile Art Lamp, that stands off the floor just waist high. The assembled rods, supported by a grid, fan out from center, flaring apart on the top and bottom to create an open-structure lamp. Visually, these elements give the impression of a bundle of sticks, clutched in the center to form a torch.
The most exceptional feature of this lamp is the set of three, flat, geometric shades. The shades are flat platens which are interlaced through the rods. Each shade may be instantly and easily repositioned at any angle to suit a client’s fancy. Rearrangement of the shades in varying configurations, offer the possibility of continually changing the overall appearance of the lamp. Additional shade sets are also available, which allows for an ongoing process of evolvement. The overall impression gives an ethereal quality, as the lamp seems to float delicately above the floor.
Description
All lamps include an LED bulb. The bulb is dimmable and burns cool, eliminating all problems that might arise from bulb and shade contact. Socket and cord are UL approved.
Standard Lamp Colors:
Lamps are available in 3 primary colors: Red, Yellow, and Blue. Custom colors are also available for an additional charge.
Standard Shades:
Set of 3 variously sized Triangles or Circles make up a standard shade set. Additional shades using custom forms or those created from customer-selected fabric are also available at an added charge. Fabrics & handmade papers that compose the shades may not be available on more than one lamp.
Specifications:
Dimensions:
Lamps measure a height of 43 inches and a width of 12.5 inches. When shades are added, the height may increase to either a maximum of 49.5 inches or to a maximum width of 31inches.The height/width ratio is exclusionary (if one increases the other remains at the lower number).
