A D B | B R E N D A N R A V E N H I L L
32 DIGS.NET
|
12.7.2018
D
esigner Brendan Ravenhill is a master of cra and a disciple of its
many traditions. He learned building principles from his father;
sharpened his skills constructing a timber-frame barn; and
studied both sculpture and industrial design. He learned to build wooden
boats in Maine, took up metal work in Brooklyn, and based Brendan
Ravenhill Studio, his workshop meets atelier, amid the rich manufacturing
culture of Los Angeles.
"Building things with my hands triggered a lifetime of making," says
Ravenhill, who for having such a multifaceted background, is a simple
guy. As are his American-made designs—honest, thoughtful, original
work, devoid of artifice and ornamentation, the real deal. Still active in the
furniture realm, Ravenhill is an especially bright spot in contemporary
lighting design. His chandeliers, pendants and wall sconces nod to Mid-
century modern design but radiate a timeless quali. "It's really what we're
known for," he says.
Of Ravenhill's lighting lines, all are separately themed but solidly
conceived, with some, like the striking, geometricized Ada Sconce, suitable
for both interior and exterior applications. e minimalist metal shades of
the Grain family make the pendants ideal for silhouetting solo or together at
different lengths for a dimensional look. e Church collection of exposed
globes is lustrously L.A, an idea initially conceptualized for the ci's
Bethlehem Baptist Church by California Modernist Rudolph Schindler
and featuring a simple framework of cords and rods that link the lights'
floating bulbs. All formations of the line are clean and unobtrusive, with a
contemplative quali that bring both architecture and symmetry to a space.
Other lines include Float, a collection inspired by traditional Japanese glass
fishing floats that combine glass, leather and rope; Pivot, a family of lights
that the studio describes as an ecosystem of elements; Hood, an idea based on
wooden sailboats with configurations featuring a cluster of sail-like shades;
and Cord, an ingenious exploration of Jean Prouvé's classic Potence lamp,
with electrical cord replacing guy wire. Each assemblage celebrates a logical
use of materials. In this rationali is the beau, and in this, is Ravenhill,
who designs for simplici, yes, but from a deeply theoretical place.
Looking to cra and physics to influence his process, Ravenhill says,
"Lighting is a great medium for me. It's sculptural, free form, a lot more
flexible. e effect of just one piece to transform an entire room is great. In
the right light, everything looks better." brendanravenhillstudio.com
W R I T T E N B Y J E N N T H O R N T O N
BRILLIANT
The minimalist, American-made designs
of Brendan Ravenhill shine a light
on his incandescent talent
MIND
(clockwise from top le) Ada Sconces; the Grain collection; another application of the Ada
Sconce; the Church collection.
PHOTOGRAPHS:
COURTESY
OF
BRENDAN
RAVENHILL
STUDIO
