Illumination Series
A collection of lighting elements inspired by the beauty of the bizarre
The Illumination Series is Carmen Ellis Studio’s first foray into lighting. It continues the whimsical anthropomorphic themes of her previous planter collection. The collection comprises three lamps, a candle, and two sets of candle holders, all bearing her signature aesthetic, celebrating the body in elegant and clever ways.
“There is nothing as transformative to a space as lighting,” Carmen explains. “I’ve understood the power of light for as long as I can remember, so it was a natural progression to explore the connection between the human form and lighting design.”
Taper Footed Candle Holders
Face Lamp
Carmen’s passion for the surreal developed as a form of escapism when she was a child; It was a way to pretend the world was more enchanted than the life she lived. She found refuge and even hope in stories that made the mundane feel more extraordinary. Surrealism inspired her to fantasize that there was hidden magic in her ordinary world, and this love is the driving force behind her newest collection of lighting elements.
Sit Candle, Pillar & Taper Footed Candle Holders
Pillar Footed Candle Holders
“More than ever, it’s vital to bring whimsy and play to the spaces we inhabit. We need to fantasize again, to let the imagination revert to a childlike wonder. I hope this collection does just that.
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Fauna Lamp
Taper Footed Candle Holders
For the new collection, Ellis found inspiration in artists like Man Ray and Horst P. Horst. Surrealists whose photography isolates the human form, showcasing the individual parts as artworks unto themselves. Similarly, the collection celebrates the beauty of the bizarre; hints of the body spring out of otherwise commonplace items, surprising and entertaining the senses.
Similarly, Carmen chooses to design with fragmented forms because they activate the imagination: The artwork only tells part of its story. By being vague and only showing part of the human form, she aims to inspire her viewers to dream and to fill in the blanks with their own narrative. For example, when you see the new Flora & Fauna Lamps, maybe for a moment, you will imagine their legs crossing, playfully swinging, and kicking about. Perhaps in the corner of your eye, you see the Footed Candle Holders skipping across your dining table and the Sit Candle quietly waiting for someone to come light her fire. She hopes these works will animate your space and trigger your imagination.
Face Lamp
When asked about her highlights from the collection, Carmen explains, “My favorite pieces from the collection are the Flora & Fauna lamp set because they offer such a visual surprise. At first glance, they may appear to be an identical set, but when you look closer, they aren’t quite alike; they play together so well. The lamps also speak to our nuances as women. Sometimes we are coy and shy, like the modest ankle-crossing Fauna Lamp, and at other times, we are sexy and bold, like the knee-crossing Flora. To add to the playful sensuality of the design, I opted to have them turn on with a touch. They are equipped with a hidden touch dimmer, allowing them to be used in an interactive and intimate way. Simply tap a leg (or bum, if you’re so inclined) to adjust their brightness.”
Flora & Fauna Lamps
Sit Candle
When we open our homes up to friends and visitors, in a way, we are introducing a version of ourselves to the world through our space. Showcasing objects that are unique can spark a conversation, bring joy to our guests, and speak to the pride we have in our individuality.
Carmen elaborates, “Finding beauty in the bizarre is about celebrating uniqueness. True beauty isn’t perfection; it has an element of intrigue; there’s something curious about it. That’s why I find the bizarre beautiful; I want to be enticed by the mystery of something unexpected. That is how I see my work; these designs are that element of surprise that sparks your interest, making beautiful spaces even more so through their strange allure.“
