Lighting with Intention: Custom Ceramic Fixtures for The Surf House Build. In Collaboration with Nic.E Ar
As my practice continues to evolve beyond functional ceramics, lighting has become an important way for me to explore the relationship between clay, space, and atmosphere. This project for The Surf House Build marked a meaningful step in that direction — a collaboration rooted in shared values, thoughtful design, and handcrafted detail.
When Nic from Nic.E Art approached me with her vision for the Surf House, her brief was clear: custom ceramic lighting that felt coastal, organic, and deeply connected to the layered interiors of the home. She came to me with a series of sketches — playful yet grounded forms with soft curves and sculptural restraint — and together we began the slow process of translating those ideas into functional ceramic pieces designed to live permanently within the space.
Two Custom Designs: Lully & Bay
We developed two distinct wall sconce designs, both hand-built using slab construction to preserve texture, movement, and the quiet irregularities that give handmade work its character.
The Lully Sconce
Designed for the master bedroom, Lully has a more angular, architectural silhouette. Its clean lines and grounded form create a striking contrast against the room’s softer elements, while a subtle scalloped edge introduces an unexpected softness — a quiet nod to the ocean just beyond the walls.
The Bay Sconce
Created for the bathrooms, Bay leans into rounded curves and a gentler profile. Its form feels calm and intuitive, offering warmth and ease in some of the home’s most intimate spaces.
Each piece was finished in earthy, coastal-inspired tones — matte, textural surfaces designed to sit harmoniously within the Surf House’s natural palette.
From Clay to Glow
Creating ceramic lighting is as much about problem-solving as it is about form. Before shaping the clay, we carefully sourced suitable lighting components and mounting hardware to integrate seamlessly with each design. Installation methods, light angles, and diffusion were all tested to ensure the pieces functioned beautifully while maintaining their sculptural presence.
Once installed, each sconce offers a soft, ambient wash of light — subtle, calming, and intentional.
A Natural Extension of My Practice
The Surf House Build is filled with considered design moments, and it was a privilege to contribute work that responds so directly to place, material, and atmosphere. These custom ceramic fixtures sit at the intersection of function and sculpture — objects designed not only to illuminate, but to anchor a space.
This project reflects a growing direction within my practice, where lighting and architectural elements become another way to bring the outdoors in, allowing clay, texture, and light to quietly shape how a space is experienced.
I’m incredibly grateful to Nic for the collaboration and proud to see these pieces now living within such a thoughtful, beautifully layered home.