Walnut Slats Desk Lamp
This lamp was started in 2022. I made the light head first. It waited three years for the for the final inspiration to finish the lamp. Over those years I tried several other ideas but this is the one that seemed to sing to me.
The head shell is fabricated by soldering together a somewhat spidery looking copper frame. Five 3/16" thick slats that were cut from a 3" walnut block I had been saving for just the right project. A thin copper strip, holding three short threaded studs, was epoxied to the back side of each slat. A piece of bronze screen was hemmed and folded to fit between the frame and the wood strips. The screen helps create a thin, diffused, light leak between the slats. Brass acorn nuts, inside the frame, were used to hold it all together. The head features a lamp socket with a custom dimmer knob. The head can be swiveled left or right. It can also be turned back to wall for a soft ambient room light. There is a custom locking system to secure the chosen swivel direction.
A thin copper back was soldered to the frame for attachment to the 1" copper tubing neck. The tubing has a hand painted, mottled, dark patina that has been waxed. All the other copper and brass parts have a dark bronze patina. Some are lacquered and some are waxed. The base is a piece of 1" walnut cut narrower in the back to avoid that “block of wood” look. All the walnut was sanded to a 1,000 grit finish, then oiled and waxed. Exiting the back of the base is a six foot, oval, brown fabric cord.
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My work started as a part of the crafts movement in the 70's. Street fairs, galleries, and word-of-mouth provided me with a steady stream of commissioned work. While most of my work revolved around lighting, I often did other fun, creative, problem solving projects for clients.
In the 90's I became a commercial photographer and enjoyed that lifestyle for almost 30 years. Near the end of the photography work I started getting back into my crafts roots. I did both photography and crafts for about eight years and then returned full time to the craftsman life. I am still doing mostly lights but do branch out now and then if the project seems fun or challenging. At this point I have projects scattered all over the Puget Sound area as well as around the country. I have several clients with multiple pieces including one client for which I have created ten custom lights.
My work is very eclectic. It's basically a refined industrial style using a wide range of materials and fabrication techniques, This makes almost every piece a unique, one-of-a-kind, work of art.
VHVanessa H
For Vanessa's Chandelier5.0I could not be happier with Jerry. The quality was fantastic, but I also really enjoyed the thoughtful communication and progress photos! I should be going on and on about the fixture, but I am not surprised it is wonderful. I am surprised at how smooth the process was. As an interior designer I work with all sorts of craftspeople, and Jerry is a wonderful blend of artist and professional! Thank you so much.
- SS
Sally S
For Industrial Caged Desk Lamp5.0Jerry was the perfect craftsman for my project. His communication and attention to details was exceptional, and he was patient in working through the design process as we worked together to get to the final plan. We had some unforeseen installation issues and he took extra time to understand the issue and determine the right corrective course. All while staying enthusiastic and curious. I look forward to more projects in the future!
- VW
vicki w
For Blooming Torchere Floor Lamp5.0I have never had a better experience with anyone then I did working with Jerry Davis! Not only did my lamps come out crazy gorgeous…perfection! But the every day communication w Jerry, and The constant updates and my involvement, made this project so much more joyous. He was beyond professional and the lamps he made for me…well, let's just say that they far exceeded my expectations. They really are a work of art and everyone who walks into my home flips over them! Jerry and I become friends over this project and I hope that continues. You won't work w a better person, to make your dreams come true, then him!! An amazing person
- SF
Sam F
For Project 25.0Jerry designed and built a custom lamp for me. I needed the lamp to be able to telescope up and down. I added a further wrinkle with interchangeable custom lamp shades. The blown glass shades were beautiful, but very heavy which made the geometry of the lamp base a little tricky. Jerry worked diligently to make it all work perfectly and the finished product is both beautiful and functional. Jerry's communication throughout was fantastic and was usually accompanied by pictures showing progress. Jerry is a true craftsman and brings the unteachable secret-sauce called caring to his prodigious artistic and technical expertise. I highly highly recommend Jerry for anything requiring an artistic and engineering skill-set. It doesn't get better than Jerry!
LPLaura P
For Layered Cooper Screen Pendant4.8
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