Lightning can and will strike the same spot twice. However, the bolts, an explosive expression of electricity permeating ionized air, are always different, never forming exactly the same. The same is true of glass – the specific temperature, pressure and composition of the form determine everything about a piece. The terroir in which the piece was made is infused into it, delineating bubbles, texture and subtle manufacturing marks. Each slightly different, but all adhere to the generous curves shown, three lighting collections, by designer Anna Dawson – Film, Dancerand Twirl – Enjoy the strength and softness of glass, playing with transparency, tint and symbolism.
Inspired by memories of ribbon dancing with her grandmother, the designer presented her lighting collection at ICFF this year, the warm glow of glass doing double duty against the glare of trade show lighting. Shielding her pavilion from stray rays with a protective roof and bathed in a rich burgundy, a distinct change in temperature and tone creates an immersive sensation when she interacts with the chamber. In Twirl, shown below, forms are grounded in the sense of spinning in space.
Dawson’s work is imbued with a biomimetic quality, organic curves meeting the somewhat stoic quality of glass, continuing the discussion of ancient art. The colors and transparency evoke a sense of calm, a warm sea green and deep burgundy that is beautifully lit from within.
The Ribbon collection features two similar forms, flat elements draped over each other, ribbons at rest. Equally stunning whether mounted up to the ceiling for a diffused glow or angled down for a more focused beam of light, the light olive and rich brown of the shades are completely transformed when illuminated, exuding a warmth and depth that glass simply couldn’t achieve on its own.
Here, we explore the Dancer collection – which comes in six colours, Sienna, Dark Amber, Cherry, Warm White, Golden Green, Artichoke and Egyptian Blue. In the Dancer Symmetrical, shown below, the form is characterized by a flowing almost hourglass shape. This piece is both top and bottom lit, allowing diffused light to flow outwards as well as cast a glow on the walls above and below.
In Dancer Asymmetrical, the same principles apply, but with a twist. This river has two bends in the middle, the path of light is reduced in size and given a little flicker. The light is perfectly balanced throughout the sconce, creating a multitude of sunset-like hues anywhere in the home.
Originally from California, but now based in Brooklyn, New York, Dawson believes that design sensitive to emotion should not be ignored. The innate wiring continues to be the same, century after century, and design as a whole has yet to come to terms with this reality. Fluidity and ease of movement are essential to her work, providing the platform upon which meaning can be built. He shares, “I’ve always felt that the design principle of form follows emotion was both antithetical to function and services a real need. Feeling good is one function that design can serve!”
To learn more about lighting from Studio Anna Dawson, visit https://studioannadawson.com.
Photo courtesy of Anna Dawson.
