Soul Bar

Master of materiality James Russ has worked in a vast range of materials and techniques throughout his career, creating a unique genre of lighting design infused with fine-art influence. His visual sculptures serve beyond simple illumination, creating a sense of spacial intimacy whilst encapsulating cultural, natural and human stories.  Sculptures which have steadily evolved from studies in Industrial design at Victoria university, Wellington, into bespoke fine art for an international audience.

Materials choices include weathered bronze and brass, cast and blown glass, heritage local timbers and select timber veneers from around the world. These materials are combined with the latest in engineering solutions such as Kevlar/carbon fibre composites and high performance alloys. Also Utilising the best in lighting technology such as cold cathode, LED, OLED and Photoluminescent materials.  James’s team have extensive knowledge of Dali, DMX, and RF lighting control systems, which allow the works to be seamlessly integrated into both domestic and commercial applications.

James's design process involves in-depth consultation with clients, architects and designers. Collaborating with local industry leaders such as Warren and Mahoney, Peddlethorp, Cheshire and Bossley Architects, amongst many others, has become typical practice for James. International work ranges from bespoke pendants in the UK, Germany, USA - with sculptures and exhibitions throughout Australia and the UAE. From notable large-scale commissions such as the 1 million LED ‘Sky Garden’ for Millennium Hotel Group through to a single bespoke ‘Infinity’ pendant installed in the stunning Philippe Starck designed super-yacht ‘Senses’.

With a highly creative and resourceful design approach, James's designs are now becoming sort after amongst the best in the world.  Early projects with New Zealand Fashion Week and Moet and Chandon and more recent presentations with G4 Design Studio and Para Designworks in Paris have led to future commissions for one of the world’s most luxurious jewellery brands. Exhibitions of James’s work are currently being planned for Venice and Milan with projects appearing on TV programs such as The Block and Grand Designs.

James is very proud to continue to share his innovative approach to art and design - blended with an underlying sense of New Zealand’s fast-emerging cultural intently. Let James and his team add value to your next project here