Some people see a design they like and ask, "where can I buy that?". A select few will be inspired to ask themselves, "how can I make that?". Designer Aritz Bermudez of CreativeFarm spotted Peter Bristol's luminous corner piece, the Established & Sons Corner Light, and realized although the $910 light was out of his league, putting together a DIY facsimile was not...
The inspiration, Established & Sons Corner Light is a steel bracket frame with light source inside, with a magnetically attached fabric diffuser attached to the bracket for soft ambient lighting.
No specific details given about Aritz's DIY version, but it looks like he's used a common shop lamp available at most any hardware store, alongside a dimmer. What's not clear is what he's used for the frame or diffusing shade. An alternative materials list would use balsa wood, rice paper, and low watt/low heat LED bulbs, but it's obvious Aritz's version is using different materials.
Take a peek for yourself with the Corner Lamp Project Part 1 and Part 2 (no part 3 as promised yet).
(Images: Aritz Bermudez; Peter Bristol for Established & Sons)
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What exactly dictates the value of a 'designer' lamp? If we get so wrapped up in 'names' then we throw money at something or someone that really is not much different than most of us could do ourselves if we tried.
Personally, I like this lamp better than the designer one and I am certain it was much more affordable.
Well, ResidentGeek, the difference is that some do try. They work hard to become designers. They create, and others merely copy. Aritz's version of the lamp is great, but the extent of his creativity stopped at figuring out how to make an existing object.
Looks amazing! Will have to try this for myself, if just to smite pefgf! ;)
A magician never reveals his tricks. Once the illusion is revealed it is no longer very interesting. The beautiful thing about the designer version is that the cord seems to seamlessly merge with the frame of the light, giving the illusion of the cord being a continuous shape. The simplicity of the sculpture is what makes it mysterious and beautiful.
I like the frame assembly you came up with but instead of using rice paper try a frosted acrylic panel. You can have one custom frosted and cut to exact dimensions relatively inexpensively. Alternatively, have it cut and purchase glass frosting spray. The frosted acrylic will amplify the light source and not reveal what is inside the box. Attach the acrylic to the frame using magnets or small strips of velcro.
I applaud you for the attempt to imitate. But from a design standpoint there are many things wrong with your version and a reason the designer one is $900.
I don't know... the DIY has a texture that makes it look kind of like a cobweb up in the corner there. I'm with GARIMI that it's a good effort but it lacks the polish of the imitated piece
I strongly embrace the DIY mantra of this site, but I have to agree with PEFGF as I wonder if there is some sort of line being crossed. After all, isn't Apple suing Samsung for this same sort of design plagiarism?
Spray paint the frame white and it's just like the original. (And less cobwebby, Akay)
good job!
you liked a look, and made it attainable.
This is great. I would suggest that many more than "a select few will be inspired to ask themselves, 'how can I make that?'" That said, imagination does not a designer make. Nor does an outrageous price tag to those with an eye for style. A true Designer, earns that designation through hard work and perseverance. He is also honored by all the diy-er's out there who cannot afford an original.
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
I understand now that the 900 is what it costs to develop a beautiful design it into a visually perfect product using the absolute best (read: appropriate) materials, instead of a shabby knock off. I can't help but be reminded of the 'close enough' meme.
There are those who believe designer lamps are akin to great design works of art. And indeed it does take a certain amount of money to bring good design and well made products to market so everyone can profit. #Respect. However, in my limited budget world I would rather spend $900 on things such as paying my mortgage down faster, or a plane ticket to Paris along with a nice dinner there.
This lamp is not my style, but hats off to anyone who makes things rather than just consuming them. The act of making things itself is a form of art.
And the Apple/Samsung example is moot. No law has been broken for making a craft for personal use. This site nor the person above are advocating, nor making similar lamps to sell. I'd like to see the patent po-po come after that silliness.
@LIZZY C, you are mistaken. Copyrights and patents protect the right of the designer to control the USE of the design -- not merely whether someone sells it. It's just as illegal to paint Snoopy on your child's bedroom wall as it is for someone to paint that image on wall hangings or bed sheets on Etsy. You are just less likely to get caught or stopped.
However, if something is 15% different, and maybe the dimensions of the frame material and other details of this lamp project meet that criteria, then the law would probably state that copyright isn't violated. However, that's what courts would decide.
I think the $900 lamp is beautiful and Zen. I think the homemade one is meh. Since I can't afford the real one and don't love the copy, none of this becomes an issue for me.