Light Fixtures as Art

Jul 12

I have been making light fixtures for over 25 years. As you know, I started my business as a wood carver and wood worker over 40 years ago. But about 25 years ago, I had made a carved front door for a client in La Jolla. After it was installed, the client asked me if I knew where she could buy some light fixtures to compliment her entryway. I didn't have any idea where she could purchase any light fixtures, so I told her I could make her some. I had already been working in copper, iron, and leaded glass, including bending glass, so why not light fixtures!

Since then I have made many styles and shapes of light fixtures, chandeliers, and sconces, in many different sizes and applications. Below are just a few examples of the scope of my work.

Pictured above is a chandelier I made for a dining room. The boat is made of Tasmanian Eucalyptus Burl wood, the sailors are made of Walnut Burl, the sails, oars, and fish crafted from copper. The fixture has reflective lighting, the lights are hidden in the deck of the boat. This was a very fun light fixture to make. I just wish I had taken a picture of it after installation in the home, instead of this picture before installation.

I designed and hand-forged the iron chandelier pictured above. My grandfather and uncle were both blacksmiths, and they gave me some tools and encouragement. I bought a forge and taught myself how to forge iron. This chandelier lends itself perfectly to heavy ironwork, as the room it's hanging in is very large with extremely high ceilings. This chandelier took many hours of hard work and the outcome was magnificent.