Green Inspiration
The idea for the Hebe Lamp Base originated from a wish to reinvent the classic ceramic lamp with lampshade through the use of unexpected shapes and soft, controlled curves. For inspiration, our team of ferm LIVING designers turned to nature. During one of their creative workshops, where the designers play and experiment with an array of artistic mediums and materials, some unexpected pieces where brought as inspiration for the new lamp base: potatoes, celeriac, in-shell peanuts and a butternut squash. Inspired by the irregular shapes, bumps and curves of the vegetables, the designers also chose to incorporate unconventional methods when forming the prototypes.
The Process
Recalling the classic childhood pastime of filling a balloon with flour and using your imagination to form it into odd and creative shapes, the design team filled an array of different organic material into nylon socks. Among the materials were sago, rice and bulgur. Then began an exercise in play and control, as the filled nylons were hand pressed and formed into a range of uneven, organic shapes. Together, the team examined the final results in detail, adding small indentations and smoothing others out, until they were in agreement that their favourite three figures, ranging in size from small to large, would become blueprints for the new Hebe Lamp Bases.
“The idea for the Hebe Lamp Base originated from a wish to reinvent the classic ceramic lamp with lampshade through the use of unexpected shapes and soft, controlled curves.”
To be able to reproduce the exact form of the various Hebe Lamp Bases, a plaster cast was made of the three final forms. There was only one chance to get it right – as applying the plaster to the rice-filled nylon shapes meant that the intricacies of each detail – every dent, down to the last thumb imprint – was now engraved into the plaster, the original model losing its shape once removed. This too meant that there exists only one of each cast, used to create the iron mould that is used in production of each and every Hebe Lamp Base to this very day.
The Final Result
Each base is available in three different finishes, all of which have their own individual appearance and texture. The Off-white color features a coarse, matte finish, while the Deep Blue and Terracotta versions have a nuanced, high-gloss glazing that beautifully reflects light from its curved surface. The Dark Grey variant features a uniquely pebbled surface due to an extra stage in the production process, where the clay is hand-trimmed to create the distinctive surface effect.
With the addition of the structured linen Eclipse Lampshades, you can choose to compliment or contrast the surface of your chosen Lamp Base, the different proportions of the various shades creating a different, unique look with each pairing. Choose between the calm, cream-colored Natural, a burnt, auburn Curry color or an organic and neutral Sand color to create your ideal table or floor lamp.
