On my last trip to Japan in February-March 2023, I came back with a surge of inspiration and many new ideas for lighting and furniture design. Some of these ideas were complex in shape, form, and even color, while others were an ode to the simplicity of living and ancient rituals, which align closely with elegant and artistic design principles.
Living in urban environments for most of my life, I sometimes felt disconnected from the essence of living and the complex processes behind sourcing basic necessities like clothing, food, water, and even housing and furniture. One practice that particularly stood out to me during my time in Japan was the meticulous craft of thatching a roof in the Hida and Gifu areas. The process involves collecting, cleaning, soaking, drying, dusting straw, and then packing it into bundles, which are fixed, distributed, and clipped with care.
The system is so complex that it’s difficult to fully grasp, but it greatly inspired my work in lighting design. Rather than attempting to imitate this technique exactly, I sought to adapt it in a way that would fit within my own capabilities and tools, creating a structure that aligns with my vision of furniture design and handcrafted lamps. These lamps serve as both artistic pieces and functional decor, embodying original, surprising, and elegant design for the modern, sophisticated house.
The “Hida” Lamp, inspired by the ancient thatching techniques, took around 400 hours of meticulous, manual labor.
In my small apartment, I spent hours at a time—sometimes two, three, or even five hours straight—preparing materials, clipping fibers, and tying them into small bundles, each composed of approximately 12 fibers.
Once I had prepared enough bundles—around one hundred at a time—I used waxed thread to securely tie them onto the cane structure of the piece. This process was repeated until about 2,000 bundles were carefully tied into place, forming the structure of the lamp.
While the process became more intuitive over time, it remained long and painstaking, transforming into a meditative practice. This crafting process was more than just the creation of a lamp; it was an creative expression and a nod to ancient techniques where patience and communal effort were essential. Music became a vital part of my process, and I often found myself gravitating toward traditional sounds from Spain, India, Wales, and Iceland, which complemented the rhythm of my work.
The finished “Hida” Lamp stands as a unique piece, representing the beauty of patience, craftsmanship, and organic design. I envision future pieces in this collection being created in a more communal setting, enhancing the artistic and cultural significance behind each lamp. For now, this first creation is a testament to the power of handcrafted, unique lighting and the satisfaction of perseverance in design.
