Canopy Glow
Atmospheric lamp imitating the warm glow of the tree canopies on a sunny day in Bishops Meadow, Hereford. Created for the 2025 Illuminate exhibition hosted by Fritz Fryer Lighting in Ross-on-Wye, Hereford. Each light was inspired by and represented an aspect of Herefordshire as a county.
Above photo taken by @mattdaviesimages
Inspiration:
I find the row of copper beech trees so grounding and calming to walk through, allowing me an opportunity to slow down and be present. I love looking up to the canopy where the light from the sun glows through the leaves. It inspired me to try and recreate the glow through the artificial light of a lamp. I would love to bring the glow into my home or other calm environment in order to feel the same wellbeing benefits as standing under the trees themselves, especially in the winter or at night-time when this is not possible.
Process
I made two porcelain bowls on the wheel and attached them together to create a spherical ‘orb’ shape, to imitate the physically immersive of the trees while walking through them. The tree branches were water-etched onto the surface. This was done by drawing the outlines of the branches and painting a layer of acrylic glue on the outside. This meant that when etching the surface with water and a sponge, the non-glued areas erode and become thinner, letting more light in, and imitating how the glow is stronger in areas with less layers of leaves.
The glow was possible because high-firing porcelain can emit light. I was really happy that I was able to get it thin enough for the light to emit strongly. However, I was only 6 months into my throwing journey and found the project a huge challenge. I would love to revisit this project in the future and throw the vessel in one piece with my throwing abilities now.
