“A LUMINOUS OBJECT”
SHIMMER IS A PHYSICAL REPRESENTATION OF LUMINOSITY
It is the feeling of being drowned in light from a glowing sunset, or towering street lamps in the dark of night. The monolithic shape that forms the foundation of Shimmer, taking place as a tube of steel, forces the viewer to acknowledge that they are in the presence of something larger that life. An experience rather than just a designed object.
SHOWN RIGHT:
Zoomed in shot of Shimmer’s base, highlighting the laser etched title.
It is the feeling of being drowned in light from a glowing sunset, or towering street lamps in the dark of night. The monolithic shape that forms the foundation of Shimmer, taking place as a tube of steel, forces the viewer to acknowledge that they are in the presence of something larger that life. An experience rather than just a designed object.
SHOWN RIGHT:
Zoomed in shot of Shimmer’s base, highlighting the laser etched title.
SHIMMER IS BEAUTIFULLY GROTESQUE
The use of uncompromisingly cold and industrial material is juxtaposed with hints of beauty that find themselves carefully laced throughout this object. The laser etched details in the base, enhanced with a custom cut piece of stainless steel, glisten when the lights are turned on. The same passage that can be found as a mere whisper on the harsh metal base is carefully placed all around the object on the custom resin light holders, inviting the user to make a more intamate connection.
SHOWN LEFT:
Detailed shot of Shimmer’s base, highlighting the laser engravings and stainless steel accent piece, as well as the bulb holders.
The use of uncompromisingly cold and industrial material is juxtaposed with hints of beauty that find themselves carefully laced throughout this object. The laser etched details in the base, enhanced with a custom cut piece of stainless steel, glisten when the lights are turned on. The same passage that can be found as a mere whisper on the harsh metal base is carefully placed all around the object on the custom resin light holders, inviting the user to make a more intamate connection.
SHOWN LEFT:
Detailed shot of Shimmer’s base, highlighting the laser engravings and stainless steel accent piece, as well as the bulb holders.
SHIMMER IS AN OVERWHELMING COMFORT
Twenty-eight individual light bulbs encompass Shimmer’s structure, creating an overwhelmingly bright aura that naturally pushes the user away. However, the repetition of light also resembles a certain familiarity that can embody a strange comfort, just as much as it can create an uneasiness. The repetition of lights can resemble the joy that surrounds seeing string lights during holidays, just as much as it can be a grotesquely overwhelming display of eyes staring back at the user.
SHOWN RIGHT:
Full front picture of Shimmer, turned off.
Twenty-eight individual light bulbs encompass Shimmer’s structure, creating an overwhelmingly bright aura that naturally pushes the user away. However, the repetition of light also resembles a certain familiarity that can embody a strange comfort, just as much as it can create an uneasiness. The repetition of lights can resemble the joy that surrounds seeing string lights during holidays, just as much as it can be a grotesquely overwhelming display of eyes staring back at the user.
SHOWN RIGHT:
Full front picture of Shimmer, turned off.
“BLINKING
LIKE SO MANY EYES”
Materials
Glass bead blasted steel base and tube, stainless steel accent piece, 3D resin printed hardware, lightbulbs, laser engraved details. 28 individual light cords were wired together to fit one switch, which is enclosed within the metal tube.
All materials processes, aside from bead blasting, were completed by Axel Strynar.
Passage of text from “Black and Borax” by Tom McElravey
Glass bead blasted steel base and tube, stainless steel accent piece, 3D resin printed hardware, lightbulbs, laser engraved details. 28 individual light cords were wired together to fit one switch, which is enclosed within the metal tube.
All materials processes, aside from bead blasting, were completed by Axel Strynar.
Passage of text from “Black and Borax” by Tom McElravey
Dimensions
Base diameter: 24”
Tube diameter: 8”
Total dimension: L 24” x W 24” x H 63”
Light bulbs: E26 medium base, 5W
Base diameter: 24”
Tube diameter: 8”
Total dimension: L 24” x W 24” x H 63”
Light bulbs: E26 medium base, 5W
SHIMMER IS WHATEVER YOU WANT IT TO BE
The ambiguity of this object alludes to its strange charm, as there isn’t a specific setting in which to properly use it. Shimmer was created with only one practical purpose in mind: to flood its viewers with light. After this, it is up to the consumer to imagine this object wherever they’d like. Shimmer playfully rides the line between furniture and observable sculpture, making this freedom a possibility.
The ambiguity of this object alludes to its strange charm, as there isn’t a specific setting in which to properly use it. Shimmer was created with only one practical purpose in mind: to flood its viewers with light. After this, it is up to the consumer to imagine this object wherever they’d like. Shimmer playfully rides the line between furniture and observable sculpture, making this freedom a possibility.
SHOWN ABOVE
Detailed views of the top cap feature. The top cap is a thin disk of steel that sits atop the tube, and features a laser engraving. This piece is fully removable and enables the user to access the wires on the inside, if necessary.
Detailed views of the top cap feature. The top cap is a thin disk of steel that sits atop the tube, and features a laser engraving. This piece is fully removable and enables the user to access the wires on the inside, if necessary.
SHIMMER IN PUBLIC SPACES
Shimmer in a courtyard
Shimmer in a parking garage
BEHIND THE SCENES
In progress: mig welding
In progress: laser cutting & etching
In progress: electrical work & install
SHIMMER, 2023
BY AXEL STRYNAR
BY AXEL STRYNAR
