If we are talking about scroll work, cascading tendrils, and designs inspired by crystal chandeliers, we cannot forget the work of Tord Boontje. Although a tad overexposed by the mass roll out of his lighting products at Target in 2006 for their 'Christmas experience,' which in turn triggered Tord-style tendril graphics to be in every ad and branding campaign this side of the Pecos, including perhaps those on the Gen Art site which started this whole cascade of chandelier posts, Tord Boontje is still the original innovator with a valuable contribution, whose designs must be recognized. (Perhaps that last sentence does not ring true for you. I have different perspective on mass design. We can talk about that in the comments section.)
Pictured above are two of Boontje's cascading tendril chandeliers which I like. The Garland Light is a DIY modern-day chandelier which includes a naked bulb on a hanging cord and a long garland of etched metal flowers which the owner can fashion and refashion as (s)he wishes. Options and customization! How very now.
The Midsummer Light is a clever take on another familiar form, the silhouette. (Need I discuss here again my undying attraction to the silhouette? I think not, for now.) This piece is less DIY, but just as modern-day, with a naked bulb on a hanging cord blanketed with layered Tyvek paper cut-outs of cheerful flowers, leaves and tendrils. If you can trace back in your mind to the moment you first saw these pieces in exclusive design boutiques, you will remember that you once thought that they were totally new and exciting. They still are great innovations and inspired takes on the chandelier.
On Tord Boontje's 2006 collaboration with Target:
Boontje designed 35 products as well as packaging and graphic design to be used in all of Target's Christmas catalogues, store graphics and 'environments,' outdoor public displays and television ads. Boontje also worked directly on the art direction for the catalog photography and the 5 television ads.
Pictured above are two of Boontje's cascading tendril chandeliers which I like. The Garland Light is a DIY modern-day chandelier which includes a naked bulb on a hanging cord and a long garland of etched metal flowers which the owner can fashion and refashion as (s)he wishes. Options and customization! How very now.
The Midsummer Light is a clever take on another familiar form, the silhouette. (Need I discuss here again my undying attraction to the silhouette? I think not, for now.) This piece is less DIY, but just as modern-day, with a naked bulb on a hanging cord blanketed with layered Tyvek paper cut-outs of cheerful flowers, leaves and tendrils. If you can trace back in your mind to the moment you first saw these pieces in exclusive design boutiques, you will remember that you once thought that they were totally new and exciting. They still are great innovations and inspired takes on the chandelier.
On Tord Boontje's 2006 collaboration with Target:
Boontje designed 35 products as well as packaging and graphic design to be used in all of Target's Christmas catalogues, store graphics and 'environments,' outdoor public displays and television ads. Boontje also worked directly on the art direction for the catalog photography and the 5 television ads.
Labels: chandeliers, garland light, midsummer light, silhouettes, tord boontje
