Campaea Perlata

PechaKucha 20x20 - Detroit Vol. 26
Illumination Visual Art and Music Exhibition - 4731 Gallery
Zoyes Creative Group Art Exhibition - Next Step Galley

My friends and art, especially music, are some of my greatest sources of inspiration. Unfortunately, I’ve got no skill when it comes to music. These light sculptures are an abstract attempt to participate.

Like moths to a flame, the individual facets of the diffuser swarm around the light source forming a rigid structure that requires no adhesives. Light from a hand built LED and acrylic lamp is diffused through a layer of celluloid guitar picks. The adjacent image gallery tells the story of the design process

THE STORY...

A study of inspiration and process, Campea Perlata is an exploration of what may be, rather than an attempt to reach a specific outcome.

My close friends have always been a source of inspiration to me.

Two passions brought us together, design and rock & roll.

Our kitchen became a stage. I wanted to jam with the others, but couldn’t get the hang of it.

Because I couldn't participate in the same way, I felt like an outsider in my own circle.

While listening to them play, I noticed the effect light had as it shined through the guitar picks.

They resembled the wings of a moth.

I thought of how moths are drawn to light and how, for my friends, music is that light.

Making a fixture from these picks could allow me to participate in an abstract way.

Laser cut slits provided connections. Waste from the template was used to make models

Working with physical pieces created an analog design process. Strength was achieved through patterns.

The aesthetic of the first prototypes was too rigid. It felt more Art Deco than organic rock & roll.

The initial light source was a primitive mess of LEDs.

So I continued to experiment. I designed and handcrafted a custom lamp.

A form that appeared monolythic from afar, but revealed the swarming of individuals up close.

Different viewpoints reveal patterns beneath the swarm.

The lights were displayed at rock show held in the 4731 gallery where my friends performed.

I imagine inhabiting the spaces created by the voids and the possibilities of different scales continue to inspire my work. The process continues.

CAMPAEA PERLATA

Campaea Perlata