There is something extraordinary in the way Ross Gardam thinks. Not only is he an exemplary designer with an oeuvre of triumphs to his name, but he understands the nature of icons as objects of desire. To this end, the range of Ross Gardam designs in production and sold world-wide is augmented by an almost fetishistic response to design collecting. Realised as editions, these slight to extreme variations on his designs are hand finished to an even higher quality with materiality a primary differentiator.

The Nebulae 23k Chandelier, for example, is the classic Ross Gardam Nebulae pendant light reworked as an edition of five. For this limited collection, the same perfect white disks of glass continue to create a harmonic balance between the elements. In this case, however, the glass is pearl art glass and the machined components are plated in 23k gold.

The latest editioned piece to join this select group is the Ora Raw. Previously explored in 23k gold in an edition of two and almost immediately sold out, the lamp has also been worked in aluminium that has been gold anodised, with the edition of 25 similarly selling out at speed.

Ora Raw effectively continues Gardam’s exploration of surface with a raw polished aluminium in an edition of ten: “An elevated adaptation of the classic Ora Desk Lamp presented here in raw aluminium with hand polished edges to each element. Each surface is hand-buffed to create a speculum mirror finish with the piece finished in a natural beeswax,” says the studio. Moreover, in keeping with the classic Ora, each lamp features precision milled components, allowing the user to be fully engaged with the physicality of the lamp, with the ability to tilt the shade, direct the warm glow and rotate the shade to the desired position.

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“Merging traditional craft with modern techniques, paramount to Gardam’s manufacturing process are the materials and methodology which inform each design. Culminating in meticulously crafted concepts that explore people’s personal connection with objects and their surroundings,” notes the studio of Gardam’s approach to design.

To this end, the Hemera Accorsi released in February this year is an exceptional pairing of materiality and form. So perfect it’s like seeing an old friend in a new light. For this edition of three, Gardam has meticulously crafted the lamp from a slab of Accorsi stone sourced from Italy.

“The distinct colour of the Hemera Accorsi occurs from the serpentine minerals, rich in magnesium and water that are intrinsic to the material.” Designed in collaboration with New Volumes, the lamp features machined polished aluminium components to unite the marble elements. Moreover, the marble’s weight is used to connect the four separate separate elements.

The next edition will be released at 10am on April 18 so keep an eye on the website!

Ross Gardam
rossgardam.com.au

Photography
Hayden Cattach

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