Project

To launch a line of computer-designed home accents that focuses on a balance of art and engineering.

I've long considered developing a line of laser-cut sculptures and lamps using the computer controlled laser cutter that I built myself from surplus medical equipment.  Over the last few months I finally found the time to create some prototypes out of scrap materials & reclaimed lamp parts. They've been very popular locally, so I started an Etsy store for them.

Now I am interested in really growing the project into a full scale business, stepping up production of my current designs and expanding the line. I have several new designs in development and I hope this Kickstarter campaign will help me to bring them to light.

Process

All of my designs are first created on the computer as a 3D model. Once I have a finished design I cut all the panels with my CNC laser system, stain or paint the parts and then assemble the finished piece. The panels are designed to interlock in such a way that they require only a small amount of wood glue to hold them together.

By using this CNC process I am able to offer many different designs that can be manufactured on demand instead of wastefully producing unneeded quantities. This also keeps operating overhead low by eliminating the need to warehouse finished stock. Other than having a few of each design on hand, I only need to maintain an assortment of lamps parts and raw materials.

Design

I like to utilize positive & negative space in my sculptures to create illusionary forms that change depending on viewpoint. I also enjoy playing with the patterns of light & shadow that are cast by the sculpture and how these effects can change the atmosphere and mood of a room. I use the term 'Illuminated Sculpture' because my designs are intended as simply decorative room accents which include their own illumination.

Funding

I have a modest $2000 goal which will help with research and development of new designs as well as:

• bulk purchase of parts and materials
• shop space, maintenance, and utilities necessary to operate the CNC laser cutter

If I exceed my goal, additional funds will go towards more of the above as well as:

• exotic materials (bamboo, acrylic) for developing my next series of prototypes
• professional product photography and catalog printing
• marketing and promotional opportunities

Rewards

FRIDGE MAGNETS; [$5 each or set of all 3 for $12]
I designed this set of magnets as two dimensional reflections of my sculptural aesthetic. All magnets are 2.5" wide by 2.5" tall by 1/8th inch thick, made from laser-cut medium density fiberboard (MDF) with magnetic strips affixed to the back. Painted metallic finish with protective satin acrylic clear coat.

A- Angular Design Refrigerator Magnet - Silver
This design reflects my sci-fi inspired pieces. It has an angular, diamond like shape and a pattern etched into the surface which creates an illusion of depth.

B- Curved Design Refrigerator Magnet - Gold
This design is similar to my organic inspired pieces. It has a rounded rectangular shape and graceful etched surface pattern.

C- Square Design Refrigerator Magnet - silver
This design resembles my architectural inspired pieces. It has a notched rectangular shape and intricate etched surface pattern.

SCULPTURE KITS; [$30 each]
Exclusive Items...Only Available Here! Both kits ship flat and pre-painted as shown. Simple illustrated instructions for easy assembly are included.

The Orb Kit - geometric wood sculpture kit
The Orb is similar to my OctaQuad Hanging Lamp and is an abstract geometric piece with a sci-fi inspiration. It has an octagon shaped outer frame with angular wing like structures and a double pyramid core. The frame and wings are painted black and the pyramid panels are painted silver. It is 7.5" diameter by 6.5" tall when assembled, made from laser-cut medium density fiberboard (MDF). Holes in frame allow it to be hung by a string or wire if desired.

The Blossom Kit - geometric wood sculpture kit
The Blossom is similar to my Cynara Table Lamp and is an organic inspired piece based on the geometry of a lotus blossom. It has a six point radial frame with petals and a center disc, the frame & disc are painted gold and the petals are painted white. It is 9.75" diameter by 4" tall when assembled, made from laser-cut medium density fiberboard (MDF). Holes in base allow it to be hung on wall if desired.

SMALL TABLE LAMPS; [$70 each]
(Standard retail price is $80 plus $15 shipping...save $25!)
Both small lamps ship fully assembled and finished as shown. Each uses one 9w candelabra base compact fluorescent (CFL) bulb available at most home improvement stores [bulb not included].

Pagoda Table Lamp - [black/silver]
The Pagoda design was named after it's resemblance to traditional Japanese architecture. It has a square base with simple cutout details at the feet and an angular vented top. The frame is painted black and the vent panels are painted silver. Produces a warm white glow to the sides and light upward. It is 6" square by 9.5" tall, made from laser-cut medium density fiberboard (MDF) and a pre-made socket & cord set. Clip in one-piece C type socket with a 6' long white cord and an inline switch.

Cone-Jr Table Lamp - [brown/gold]
The Conifer-Jr is the little brother of the original Conifer, and has the same organic cone shaped design with an 8 point radial frame and quad vented core. The outer frame is stained brown and the vent panels are painted gold. Produces a warm amber glow to the sides and light upward. It is 9.25" diameter by 12" tall, made from laser-cut medium density fiberboard (MDF) and a pre-made socket & cord set. Clip in one-piece C type socket with a 6' long white cord and an inline switch.

HANGING LAMPS; [$125 each]
(Standard retail price is  $160 plus $15 shipping...save $50!)
Both hanging lamps ship fully assembled and finished as shown. Each have a metal loop attached to top for hanging with cable or chain (chain shown not included).  Each uses one 23w compact fluorescent (CFL) bulb available at most home improvement stores [bulb not included].

Pyramid Hanging Lamp - [brown/gold]
This Pyramid inspired design has an interesting 'future antique' appeal. It has a square shaped frame with angular sides and vents. The frame is stained brown and the vent panels are painted gold. Produces a warm amber glow to the sides and a column of light downward. It is 13" square by 10.5" tall, made from laser-cut medium density fiberboard (MDF) and a standard socket & cord set. M-type socket (full size) and a 12' long brown cord with no switch.

Fresnel Hanging Lamp - [black/silver]
The Fresnel design was inspired by the shape of an old lighthouse lens. It has a square shaped frame with angular sides and vents. The frame is stained black and the vent panels are painted silver. Produces a warm white glow to the sides and a collumn of light downward. It is 10" square by 10" tall, made from laser-cut medium density fiberboard (MDF) and a standard socket & cord set. M-type socket (full size) and a 12' long white cord with no switch.

LARGE TABLE LAMPS; [$150 each]
(Standard retail price is  $180 plus $30 shipping...save $60!)
Large lamps ship fully assembled and finished as shown.

Cynara Table Lamp - [brown/gold]
The Cynara is an organic inspired piece base on the geometry of an artichoke. It has a 10pt radial frame with external reflector petals, the frame is stained brown and the petals are painted gold. Produces a warm amber glow all around it and light upward. It is 16" diameter by 13" tall, made from laser-cut medium density fiberboard (MDF) and a pre-made socket & cord set. Clip in one-piece C type socket with a 6' long white cord and an inline switch. Uses one 9w candelabra base compact fluorescent (CFL) bulb available at most home improvement stores [bulb not included].