Light as art: 5 architectural lighting designs inspired by the natural world

In the stories of the land, of organic forms and beauty in texture and material - it’s when these inspirations come together that lighting surpasses functionality and becomes functioning art. Here’s five stunning lighting designs inspired by the world around us.

For designer James Russ, lighting is about much more than function. It is primarily about art, with every luminaire a fusion of design and function. Curating the bespoke, the unique, and materials as distinctive and beautiful as salvaged wharf timber, clay and the twisted grapevines of Waiheke Island, James Russ is continually evolving the notion of light as art.

Here’s five of his handcrafted designer lighting creations, inspired by organic forms and materials and the natural world, each of which tells a story of the surrounds and introduces a unique artform to the setting.

1. Bespoke architectural lighting installation; Tantalus Estate, Waiheke Island, Auckland

When Tantalus Estate was closed for a major refurbishment of the winery building, a significant number of vines were uprooted to allow for the extended building footprint. “Working closely with the client and Cheshire Architects, we were able to bring together art, design and engineering to create a stunning lighting installation using salvaged vines that were removed from the site,” designer James Russ says.

The result is truly spectacular with the finished result a series of interwoven forms made up of the twisted vines, hand blown glass spheres and 4,500 miniature LEDs, hand woven into the vines with exposed copper wire to create an alluring mix of industrial materials and organic forms and bring an arresting warmth and intimacy to the interior.

A skeletal structure of solid brass holds the vines together and creates an aged and textured aesthetic. “Using these basic materials, we were able to create fine art; bespoke lighting that truly captures the sense of place.”

2. Four Points by Sheraton

In a different take on the concept of organic form, this collection of sculptural lights was made for the new four-star hotel in Central Auckland, Four Points by Sheraton. “Thin lights in sweeping curves combine modern LED technology with fine art,” James says. “The lights give a sensory experience, indicative of sparkler trail lingering in the air. Designed to soften the space with organic forms, these pieces could also be reminiscent of tree branches with their natural bends.

“With bespoke lighting designs like these, the design process is an immersive and interactive one. We were able to naturally bend the solid stainless frame and involve the clients at every stage. By manipulating the frame based on their feedback, we were able to provide the perfect solution for this commercial space. Once the frame design was finalised, LED lights were wrapped over the top to create the finished luminaires.

“This one-on-one, immersive design experience is incredibly valuable for projects such as this where a specific yet evolving response is required. It’s an organic, hands on approach resulting in a product we can recreate and customise for different settings, including residential properties.”

3. Stalactites

Inspired by the beauty of organic suspended formations, James Russ’ Stalactites are initially carved from candle wax and then cast in plaster. “The wax is then melted out of the cast and molten LED crystal glass is poured in at about 890 degrees Celsius.

“With one LED in each stalactite, the result is a beautifully organic form with light refracting through each piece to create a soft, delicately dappled effect while highlighting the beauty of the irregularities of the glass.”

4. Portland Wharf Series

This bespoke collection breathes new life into century-old timber from the former railway-carrying wharf on the Whangarei Harbour - a structure that was dismantled in 2011. 

“The wharf’s hardwood Jarrah timber was salvaged and stored at an old shipyard, before I was able to salvage a good portion of it,” James says. 

The result is a collection of architectural lighting pieces, each of which is completely bespoke with the individual pieces of timber able to be chosen by each client. These linear lights fuse state-of-the-art technology with the history of material, with a high CRI warm white LED strip that provides a flood of task lighting when required or it can be dimmed to lower the light level and create a more intimate setting.

“Every piece is different and resonates differently with people. Some, for example, have barnacles and mussels growing on them, while others have specific grains or knots that appeal - which are all protected from further ageing with multiple coats of Danish oil.

“These pieces are particularly popular for above kitchen islands due to their organic rectangular form. Not only are these completely unique, their organic imperfections give them a beautiful story that adds to the character of a space.”

5. Clay Pendants

Using a strikingly simple pairing of materials - that of clay and canvas - the clay pendant is both a beautifully natural creation and one that will return to the earth naturally at the end of its life. “Using grey mud in a geodesic design the clay pendant is quite a faceted form; a half-sphere with angular flat faces,” James says.

“By blending clay and canvas, we have created a lightweight, textural composite that is warm, inviting and extremely durable. Available also in black, this version is created by adding Indian Ink to the material to create an intense, deep black finish.”

Based in Auckland, James Russ’ commissioned work is distributed globally, with James working alongside some of the world’s leading architecture firms to blur the line between design and fine art, creating heirloom pieces. Find out more about James Russ bespoke architectural lighting designs.