It's been a while since we have done an artist interview on the blog so I thought an interview would be a good way to introduce a brand new designer/maker to Radiance. Helen Taylor makes these lovely knitted lamps which I immediately fell for - their lovely colours and their quirky asymmetric shapes give them real character.
So Helen, tell us about what you do?
I make hand knitted lampshades from yarns which I choose for having a lower environmental impact, such as recycled materials, silk and linen. The lampshades are very unusual: the flexible knitted cover gives them a curvy, 'organic' shape, and I mount the lampshade frame within the knitting to give an asymmetric design to the shade. I make pendant and table/standard lampshades.
What inspired you to start making them? Where did the idea come from? It's simple really, I needed a new lampshade for my bedside lamp, and having looked around I couldn't find anything which caught my eye as being a bit different. I decided to make my own from an old lampshade frame I had. In fact, the very first shade was woven, using fluffy wool. I loved the curvy asymmetric shape and so did friends, so I thought I would make more.
I know a lot of thought has gone into the production and safety testing etc. How long were you working on your research and development? R&D has taken about 6 months, and is ongoing! To display my shades I make simple wooden lamp bases from chunks of oak wood (FSC certified) and the lamp bases had to be safety tested to ensure they comply with the relevant British Standard for safety. The shades have been tested against the British Standard to ensure they meet the fire safety requirements.
Have you always been a knitter? What’s your background? I have always loved making things, particularly with textiles, and I did a degree in Textile Science years ago, followed up by a Masters in environmental chemical engineering which is where I get my knowledge of sustainability issues. I also worked in sustainability consultancy in the construction industry, helping to encourage resource conservation in buildings. I gave all that up, though, to work for myself as a designer maker.
You have called your business Ose Designs. Where did the name come from? Ose is French for 'dare'. I speak French and love the language, and chose Ose to reflect the idea that a lampshade can be daring and punctuate a space with a designed form, as well as being functional.
. You told me you work at home. Do you have a designated work space? I have a workshop in the cellar, a desk in my bedroom, and I do most of the knitting in the living room!
What piece of machinery or tool could you not live without? The knitting needles!
What do you like the most about being a designer? I love seeing the finished product, hanging a new shade and switching on the light for the first time, to see how it looks. It's always a pleasure.
LINK LIST. Elle Decoration magazine - always full of beautiful homes. (no web address) www.folksy.com - I think it's a great site.
You can find Helen's work on the Radiance website here.
