Vespertine
Dinning Table
Dimensions: 110” W, 30” H, 39” D
Material: African Mahogany, tempered glass, art glass, electrical light fixture.
Year: 2003
Concept: A ‘vespertine’ refers to an animal, flowering plant, or insect which flourishes at night, the peak of beauty emerging in the evening. Inspiration also comes from the Catholic ritual of Vespers, which evolved in monastic dwellings and became an evening prayer ritual that was arranged into symmetrical parts for recitation. The Vespers ritual also evolved from a sensuous meditational experience that coincides with the emergence of the Evening Star, perhaps having roots in ancient culture. Potent graphic symmetry has often been associated with spiritual symbols in traditional art and architecture.
The table luminary is a simulation of twilight, as the composition evokes the sublime cloud shadows of the evening sky. (When turned off, this field appears bluish and neutral--as is an unremarkable day sky with white wisps.) Illuminated in the complete dark, the visual field emotionally suggests Venus, or at least a Venusian presence emanating through the saturated red colors of a provocative horizon slit.
I designed the table with the idea that it be used as a place to gather for wine or cocktails, a particular nighttime station in a home for entertaining. It creates the psychological essence of a casual hearth, and as well it’s a modern replacement for the function of a formal chandelier as the chief light source. The light is easy on the eyes as it was meant to be looked directly into, not unlike stained glass windows or Tiffany lamps. Like a James Turrell light illusion it induces an altered state of mind. The indirect glow cast on the face of the guest that sits before it is a uniquely flattering pink.
Dimensions: 110” W, 30” H, 39” D
Material: African Mahogany, tempered glass, art glass, electrical light fixture.
Year: 2003
Concept: A ‘vespertine’ refers to an animal, flowering plant, or insect which flourishes at night, the peak of beauty emerging in the evening. Inspiration also comes from the Catholic ritual of Vespers, which evolved in monastic dwellings and became an evening prayer ritual that was arranged into symmetrical parts for recitation. The Vespers ritual also evolved from a sensuous meditational experience that coincides with the emergence of the Evening Star, perhaps having roots in ancient culture. Potent graphic symmetry has often been associated with spiritual symbols in traditional art and architecture.
The table luminary is a simulation of twilight, as the composition evokes the sublime cloud shadows of the evening sky. (When turned off, this field appears bluish and neutral--as is an unremarkable day sky with white wisps.) Illuminated in the complete dark, the visual field emotionally suggests Venus, or at least a Venusian presence emanating through the saturated red colors of a provocative horizon slit.
I designed the table with the idea that it be used as a place to gather for wine or cocktails, a particular nighttime station in a home for entertaining. It creates the psychological essence of a casual hearth, and as well it’s a modern replacement for the function of a formal chandelier as the chief light source. The light is easy on the eyes as it was meant to be looked directly into, not unlike stained glass windows or Tiffany lamps. Like a James Turrell light illusion it induces an altered state of mind. The indirect glow cast on the face of the guest that sits before it is a uniquely flattering pink.