James Russ

Auckland based Lighting Artist James Russ produces sculptural works that blur the line between fine art and design. Each piece is created to achieve a balance between lighting technology and hand crafted materials. Russ is a master of materiality, he effortlessly transitions between the use of timber, aluminium, resin, glass and ceramic to produce his works, utilising the material that is most suited to his concept. Russ’ technical abilities were developed through studies in Industrial design and years of work as a prototype developer.

Much of Russ’ inspiration comes from the flora and fauna unique to New Zealand as well as local histories. Russ attempts to immerse himself in different natural environments to study details. Capturing his ideas initially in photography or video he begins to document the environment. After contemplation and distilling of his ideas he sets to work on achieving a sculptural representation of a unique moment, concept or key aspect of our surroundings.
“My light sculptures are a way to express my wonderment of the natural world” - James Russ

James Russ Works Available At Black Door Gallery

Magnolia

The Magnolia Light elegantly combines glass and brass, creating a beautiful standing sculpture that finds its inspiration in the natural world. 

The magnolia flower symbolises nobility, perseverance, and love of nature. Soft and subtle in color yet strong in appearance, the flower is representative of the beauty encompassing femininity and gentleness.
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Specs:
Size: 2.0m Height x 1.0m width 

Custom options available upon request

Materials: Polished brass tube, Cast glass petals
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Light source: Warm white LED with foot switch

Pricing: POA  

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Click on images below to enlarge:
Atomic Light

An industrial piece of lighting design that incorporates LED technology with dynamic geometric forms. The spherical lights stylishly fragment light and create a real statement in any space. 

James was inspired by New Zealand pioneers and leaders, in this case Ernest Rutherford splitting the Atom and our nuclear free legislation. To celebrate and add to the discussion of this rich history, James has sought to represent this through a light sculpture, showcasing volume without apparent matter, filling space but not occupying it and representing abstracted electron movements with contemporary LED lighting. 
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Specs:
Size: 1200mm / 1000mm / 800mm / 600mm diameter 

Materials used: Rolled alloy with powder coated finish (range of colours available)  

Light source: LED warm white strip / RGB colour changing strip with controller.

Hanging System: Flush mounted ceiling plate with adjustable stainless cable (Custom hanging system will carry a fee) 

Pricing: POA  
Click on images below to enlarge:
Sensory

Thin lights in sweeping curves will combine modern LED technology with fine art. The lights will give a sensory experience, indicative of a sparkler trail lingering in the air.

Each light is unique and designed for your space.

Specs:
Size: Custom from 5M lengths, designs vary and we will work closely with you to create the perfect shape to fit into your space.   

Materials: Stainless steel frame

Light Source: LED strip with silicon jacket, dimmable driver. 

Hanging System: Flush mounted ceiling plate, ceiling fixings and adjustable stainless cable.
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Pricing: POA
Click on images below to enlarge:
Stalactites

Hand crafted lighting pieces that take their inspiration from beautiful icicle-shaped Stalactites. Each piece is individually hand cast in glass. LED components illuminate each piece from within, revealing the subtle tonal graduation in each stalactite. 

No two are the same, resulting in a truly unique and handcrafted lighting display. 

Talk to us about your installation ideas. We can work with you to realise your display ideas for these stalactites. Options included clustering, staggering, chandelier installation, or sculptural installation.

Specs:
Light source: x1 CREE LED chip per Stalactite with a dimmable driver. 

Materials used: Cast glass, 250mm in length

Colour: A range of colours available and can be mixed to create something special.

Hanging System: Flush mounted ceiling plate with fixings, heights to be pre-set with room for changes on site. 
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Pricing: POA
Click on images below to enlarge:
Infinity Pendant

Each Infinity pendant is painstakingly hand crafted from paper thin timber veneers and hand fabricated stainless steel. Intimate warm light permeates through the timbers while highly functional down-lighting pours onto surfaces below.

Each light is treated as a beautiful artwork with many hours invested by highly skilled artisans using only the best materials. The Infinity pendant will last for generations. 

Specs: 
Size: Custom sizing started at 1200mm / 1800mm / 2000mm 

Materials used: Macrocarpa / Oak / Carbon Fibre, Light weight alloy frame.

Light source: LED lighting puck with dimmable driver.

Hanging system: Flush mounted ceiling plate, adjustable stainless ceiling fixings.
 
Pricing: POA
Click on images below to enlarge:
Harakeke Pods
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Inspired by New Zealand flax seed pods, these exquisite New Zealand designed and made timber lights capture the essence of these natural wonders and showcase natural timber at its finest.

Made from natural timber (plantation Macrocarpa) or American Oak veneers, they feature solid aluminium castings with braided electrical flex, as well as the latest LED lighting technology with a 24V remote LED driver and ceiling mount. 

The stunning sculptural pieces blur the distinction between functional lighting design and fine art.

Specs: 
Size: 1800mm length per Pod. 

Materials used: Macrocarpa / Oak timber, Cast alloy/brass tops.

Light source: Internal LED cassette with a dimmable driver.

Hanging system: Each pod is suspended from the electrical flex and suspended from a flush mounted ceiling plate at varying heights.
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Pricing:  POA
Click on images below to enlarge: