Lighting doesn’t have to be just about functionality, for some it involves a certain level of artistry to produce creative pieces that are not just used for illumination. Graham Marjanovic of Obe & Co Design believes “in designing items that are both functional as well as being beautiful.” I believe that his lighting sculptures are just that.
Obe & Co Design specialise in creating sculptural lighting, solid wooden furniture and unique handcrafted sculptures. When I look at the lighting sculptures designed by Graham I see artwork. The simplistic shapes promote a level of sophistication whilst delicately resembling forms of nature. The finished products are as much about functionality as they are about design, for example the Obi-lit sculpture can be of any size from tabletop to floor standing and have a particular velvety look about the wood. When I spoke to Graham about his products he told me that many people would be surprised to know that they are “silky smooth to the touch with next to no discernible ridges where material meets material.” I would say that the sculptures are more about a whole sensory experience than a lighting solution.
The Timber-lit design is particularly unique due to the wood. Available in a number of English hardwood choices such as Walnut or Cherry, each light will be different in some way due to the natural grains and unique characteristics found in the solid wood sections. Because the main part of any of the Obe & Co Design products is wood it is important that it is responsibly obtained; the wood for the Timber-lit products is sourced locally and felled through correct woodland management. Applying the right knowledge in seasoning wood in this way is not only more financially beneficial it is also ecologically valuable. Timbers used for the mood lighting products or the Obi-lit design are completely sustainable and FSC or PEFC certified meaning the timbers have been ethically harvested.
Something such as the Timber-lit design is actually pretty remarkable, when you think the whole process from felling to end product can take up to three years due to the seasoning process, the drying period and build time; the end result is really something exceptional. Continuing my conversation with Graham, he said something particularity thought provoking, “All my work is made in the UK and form and shape comes directly from hand to eye coordination making for slight but pleasing differences in the shape of identical items. I would hope refreshing, as it seems that there is a drive for perceived perfection when a lot of people out there deep down like something that isn’t.” I spent some time thinking on this and have to agree; I don’t necessarily have one individual taste when in comes to design, if I like something I like it. But what does appeal to me is individuality, for me there is something special about having something unique and it’s even more attractive when the uniqueness is not intentional. So in Grahams case, the distinctiveness found in his designs comes from the natural beauty found in the materials and the way each product is handmade allowing for slight differences giving the end result much more character.
As well as using sustainable sources for the wood the lighting is also environmentally friendly as it is energy efficient. For example the mood lights use the latest LED technology and have a life expectancy of 50000 hours. The mood lights, Obi-lits and coffee tables have been designed so that the LED’s can be accessed and changed which I think is fantastic, the whole process of the sculpture from start to finish employs skilled craftsmanship and knowledge it would be a shame if the end products were disposable. With high quality comes longevity and you would expect products such as these to be in your home for some time.
Its difficult to decide which particular design is my favourite as the distinctiveness for each is special in its own way. Depending on your space there will be something for everyone and Graham regularly commissions work for his clients with thought to how it may be integrated into the home.
