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DREAM IN CALLIGRAPHY
In the creation of my new lighting collection, Dream in Calligraphy, I drew deep inspiration from the rich legacy of Ottoman calligraphy, a ubiquitous presence while growing up in the enchanting city of Istanbul, Turkey. This art form permeated diverse aspects of daily life and culture, from its prominent display in the realms of painting, architecture, literature, book arts and antique craftsmanship such as textiles, carpets and ceramic tiles. The flourishing of Ottoman calligraphy in Istanbul, from the 15th century and extending through the empire's reign, developed into a beautiful and traditional means of artistic expression. Each brush stroke, in its meticulous design and placement, exudes a sense of intention and poetry. This form of calligraphy encompasses deliberate choices of color and gilding, intricate symbolic elements and thoughtfully arranged patterns and motifs.
For our new chandelier design, we meticulously bent the brass structure of our chandelier, forming it into a three-dimensional representation reminiscent of calligraphy's graceful flow and movement. The structure is adorned with hand-carved Meerschaum, crafted by Turkish artisans, serving as embellishments. Completing the ensemble, hand-blown glass delicately diffuses light, creating a mesmerizing interplay between form and illumination. This collection, borne of reverence for Ottoman calligraphy and the unmatched craftsmanship that still exists in Istanbul, celebrates the harmony of tradition, creativity, and light.
GLOWING SENTIMENTS:
The collection is a mix of artistry, tradition, and sentimentality. The lighting ensemble is composed of hand-blown glass and Meerschaum, a clay mineral excavated and meticulously hand-carved by artisans in Turkey and brass chains. The inspiration for this collection draws from the concept of a charm necklace, where each charm is thoughtfully chosen for its sentimental significance. Much like these cherished personal talismans, each piece in this lighting ensemble possesses its own distinct character and energy, connected by delicate chains that symbolize our interwoven human experiences. At the heart and soul of this collection lies a profound dedication to craftsmanship and a harmonious blend of the past and present. It reimagines the classical glass technique of Murrine, infusing it with a fresh perspective. The glass itself features a harmonious palette, with shades of peach, cream, blush, and gray, adorned by patterns reminiscent of those found in the natural world. These intricate patterns are crafted using the ancient Murrine technique, which traces its origins to the Middle East over 4,000 years ago, later revived by Venetian glassmakers in Murano during the early 15th century. The Murrine technique involves the creation of colorful patterns within a glass cane rod. These patterns come to life when the rod is sliced into thin cross-sections. The Murrine are then meticulously arranged in a compact pattern, fused together, and transformed into various forms. We created Murrine patterns using glass of different transparencies and when we blew these compact patterns into a globe, we created three-dimensional patterns that are very dynamic and intriguing. The colors and patterns melded and shifted in opacity, resulting in a geometry that also seemed painterly. This collection embraces the beauty of skilled craftsmanship and the timeless allure of reimagining the past through a contemporary lens. Through this collection, we wanted to create an enchanting and ethereal tableau, an ode to dreams and romance, carefully designed to stir inspiration, empowerment, and boundless energy within. Each piece narrates a deeply personal journey, a quest for love, strength, and passion that resonates with all who encounter its radiant charm.
THIS HOME FEATURES JUST THE RIGHT DOSE OF ART DECO GLAM
Interior designer Bradley Stephens looked to grand 1920s banks and 18th-century salons in designing a family home for a long-time New York client.
Designer of the Day:
Seeking to reignite excitement for the heritage techniques that profoundly influenced her, the FEYZ Studio founder is debuting a pristine pendant series at Design Miami/ in which romantic, sunset-hued light casts a gentle glow through Meerschaum, a solid clay mineral hand-sculpted by Turkish artisans.
