Pleated paper geometries
- Francesca uses a special paper from Japan
- She is fascinated by how artificial light can transform a room
- Her creations are influenced by the exactness of origami art
“I made my first lamps for a flat I had just moved into when I was living in Switzerland,” explains London-based Francesca Schiavello. “Being an architect, I was familiar with building scale models using different materials, so the idea of using paper came to me quite naturally.” Fascinated by paper’s three-dimensionality and the way in which it diffuses light, the budding artisan started to produce lampshades on request, engaging in a relentless search for new shapes. “The making of these paper sculptures, which are pleated and folded as an origami, offered me the opportunity to explore how to shape light in a personal way. I also experiment with different geometries that generate a metamorphosis of the lamp itself, depending on the angle from which it is observed.”
INTERVIEW
From a careful study of organic and non-organic geometric solids. Sometimes the folds are inspired by the draping of a dress and the shadows it generates. Through skillful folding I then transfer this volumetric design into a paper sculpture.
By combining the manual act of folding paper with the production of computer-aided preliminary miniature models, for example. Or by using LED bulbs, thanks to which I have been able to create closed shapes to obtain more subtle light effects.
Each lamp involves different folding methods that require practical knowledge and experience. For this reason, I keep a notebook in which I enter all the important details and techniques I use for every shape I develop.
Working with my hands is a form of meditation, which requires patience, precision and dedication. When I am creating, I withdraw momentarily from the world and focus on the technique. But the best part is when my work makes my customers happy.
