Trial, Error & Determination Product Glowing Results
Industrial design student, Hope Giacoppo began a project in her second year that would see her into her third year and ultimately into design competitions. Her brief was to create a light that could be made in Australia for the Australian market.
The defining elements of the design were inspired by the smooth lines of architecture and organic form found in nature, the final shape resembling a tear drop. The lights were made in both timber and copper which needed to be worked with skill to get the final finish.
Hope employed the old technique of steam bending to shape the European beech pendant. This was a long process requiring testing and re-testing of the method until the timber was moulded into shape. Six cuts were made in a turned wooden cylinder then carefully bent into a claw which would house the LED light. Wood stains were used to finish the pendant adding warmth and sheen to the pale beech, highlighting the natural grain of the timber.
The method used to shape the metal for the copper lights was similar to that used for the timber. The material had to be softened in order to be worked. The copper was heated red and quenched in water so that it became pliable enough to bend over the inner form of the light. Two of the three copper pendants made were left raw as the oxidation from the heating process produced an appealing rustic effect. The third was polished for a high shine.
In situ these pendants are striking, whether hung in a cluster or individually. Lit, the soft warm glow of these lights creates an inviting ambience.
These two projects spanning two years earned Hope high distinctions and entry into the ‘Switched On’ exhibition at RMIT and Vivid Light, Music & Ideas Festival 2014.
We met Hope at the beginning of the first project and saw her intermittently over the two years when turned timber components were needed. Knowing the effort that went into the production of these lights makes us proud to feature the work of this talented young industrial designer.
Further information contact
All images courtesy of Hope Giacoppo.
