Jan
31
2020
Ronald Vieceli
The work is a series of table lamps, floor lamps, tables, and other objects. Each piece combines the natural warmth of wood and the cold industrial essence of steel. Bases are made from the discarded pieces of fabrication. They are made from the parts left behind; material from between the pieces being fabricated. These ÒdropsÓ are destined for the scrap heap, yet they possess unique shapes and textures. The wood used is sourced from urban logging operations. Storm fallen trees, damaged trees and trees removed from right of ways and construction sites. Each piece is designed to emphasize the soft organic beauty of the wood against the severity of the steel bases. The wood is finished with a clear European hard wax oil. The pieces are designed to emphasize rather than hide the industrial nature of their heritage. Fasteners are exposed and highlighted rather than hidden. Welds are left raw and textured rather than smoothed and blended. An important part of the process is limiting the modifications and alterations to each component, striving to keep the wood and the steel as close to their original forms as possible. As the series progresses, it is interesting to discover how the works evolve based on the availability of the raw materials. The steel components change depending on what shapes are available from the scrap pile. Each wooden piece is unique in size, shape, and grain pattern from the last. The goal is to create a beautiful functional piece of art from ordinary materials.