Kiss is a 10” light shade manufactured in an industrial glass making factory utilizing an assortment of ancient glass-crafting techniques such as: pressed glass, blown glass and mirrorising finishes.
Each shade is made of complex components yet creating a large harmonious glowing sphere, which produces both an upward and downward light distribution. The upper portion of the sphere features an intricate overlay of diamond shaped and ribbed patterns in clear glass while the lower portion features a sleek and sensuous metalized reflector that appears silver on the outside with a hidden golden glow on the inside.
Designed by English artist Stephen Johnson in his third collaboration with Artecnica, the versatile Kiss can be used both as a stylish pendant and as a stunning table light.
Q&A with Stephen Johnson
Why the name Kiss ?
I don’t think the name directly relates to my design process but there is just something about the look of the object that makes me think of kisses. It’s that delicate tingle of the decorative glass with the extrovert hit of the metallic in all its glory. And their rounded shape simply begs for contact and exploration. It would be wrong not to pick them up, hold, have close by and explore.
What inspired you to design a lamp ?
I wanted to produce a lamp that offered people a different relationship to lights. We surround ourselves with lamps that simply get a flick of the switch and that’s as far as it goes. But with kiss I really wanted to recreate the curiosity for lights that we all had as children. For example when I was a child I use to have an illuminated globe of the world that I would pick up and explore at every given opportunity.
As a designer interested in the psychological aspect of design I’m increasingly fascinated by both the practical function of light in how it lets us see in the dark, but also it’s psychological use-value in how it can affect our emotional state. And with kiss I wanted to create an object for both these aspects of design. It’s about illuminating the room but also about smile.
Why this material ?
Glass to me is all about visiting my grandmother at the weekend. Her house was full of glass, in all shapes, sizes, colors and functions, shaped into unicorns running and bowls for keys or candy. And when the sun entered the house they would sparkle, which when you’re a kid, is the best thing ever!
Why these colors ?
I wanted to create a solid clash between the delicacy of the diamonds whilst creating even more curious reflections to explore. So a high metallic shine was ideal for this. And I decided to throw in some vivid colors including gold and pink to add an extra layer of intrigue.
About Stephen Johnson
Stephen Johnson was born in 1979
He lives and works in London by designing items of no physical use-value, Johnson explores less obvious facets of design.
His work considers how design can exist for the cognitive, as well as our more commonly perceived physical needs. Through ornamentation and kitsch he considers design as fulfilling emotional needs like humor and nostalgia.
Education
2005 – 2007 Royal College of Art, MA Applied Art
2000 – 2004 University of Brighton, BA .
