Science, paper and lamps
- Helmut has been researching his material for over 25 years
- He uses filtered rainwater and electricity from renewable sources in his processes
- Interacting with clients opens up new perspectives
Helmut Frerick has spent more than 25 years researching the materials and compositions of his light sculptures. As a former clinical researcher, exploration is one of the most important aspects of his work. Thanks to his scientific and chemical knowledge Helmut has developed his own material, a plant fibre paper. The sculptural shrinking of his paper sheets is what gives them their characteristic shapes. Light is the other key component of his work. Through the use of structural elements made of optic fibres, he has managed to incorporate light graphics into his illuminated sculptures, which allow the light to shine evenly. Helmut uses dimmable power LEDs, though he also experiments with intensity and colour of these light sources. Helmut's sculptures are mostly commissioned and often used to highlight special locations.
Interview
- Could you tell us a little bit about your material?
- It was paper production that sparked my interest initially. I wanted to develop a plant fibre paper that was both very tear-resistant and very translucent. In papermaking, these two points usually contradict each other. I experimented with different plants such as hemp and flax and tried out different chemical and physical processes.
- Are ecological considerations important to you?
- Absolutely. As an example, I only use filtered rainwater and electricity from renewable sources for my work. I avoid toxins and use oxygen bleaching instead. Most materials I use for my lights are compostable. I use a mineral-based flame-retardant substance.
- Why do you tend to work on commission?
- I value dialogue with customers very much. I am often forced to rethink and see things from new perspectives when they come to me with their ideas. I always ask for photos of the location so that I can make a photo-simulation of the light object. I like to add creative suggestions to a customer's initial brief and they tend to choose this version in the end.
- What was a special commissioned piece you did?
- A Chinese client once commissioned me to build a light sculpture for a newly built shopping mall in Beijing. A big showroom would house the lamp, which would hang down several metres. I assembled it once completely in my studio and wrote a detailed guide for reassembly. This lamp had 45 elements, 78 suspension points, and nearly 10 000 LEDs. Unfortunately, I have never seen it in situ.
Helmut Frerick is a master artisan: she began her career in 1980 and she started teaching in 1986
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Helmut Frerick
