Anna Dawson Presents Motion Frozen in Time

Lightning can and will strike the same place twice. Yet the bolts, an explosive expression of electricity breaking through ionized air, are always different, never forming exactly the same. The same is true for glass – the specific temperature, pressure, and formulation of form defines everything about a piece. The terroir in which the piece was made is infused within, delineating bubbles, texture, and the fine marks of making. Each slightly different, yet all adhering to the generous curvatures set forth, three lighting collections, by designer Anna Dawson – Ribbon, Dancer, and Twirl – delight in the strength and softness of glass, playing with transparency, hue, and symbolism.

Inspired by memories of ribbon dancing with her grandmother, the designer presented her lighting collection at ICFF this year, the warm glow of glass working double time against the glare of tradeshow lighting. Shielding her booth from errant rays with a protective ceiling and bathed in a rich burgundy, a distinct shift in temperature and tone creates an immersive feeling when interacting with the booth. In Twirl, shown below, the forms are grounded in the feeling of spinning in space.

Dawson’s work is infused with a biomimetic quality, organic curves meet the somewhat stoic quality of glass, continuing the conversation of the ancient art. The colors and transparency evoke a sense of calm, a warm seafoam green and deep burgundy illuminated beautifully from the inside.

The Ribbon collection features two similar forms, flat elements draped across each other, ribbons in repose. Just as impactful whether positioned up to the ceiling, for a diffused glow, or angled downward, for a more concentrated beam of light, the light olive and rich browns of the shades are completely transformed when lit, exuding a warmth and depth that glass simply couldn’t achieve alone.

Here, we explore the Dancer Collection – which comes in six colors, Sienna, Dark Amber, Cherry, Warm White, Golden Green, Artichoke, and Egyptian Blue. In Dancer Symmetrical, shown below, the form is characterized by a flowing, almost hourglass shape. This piece is illuminated both at the top and the bottom, allowing diffused light to flow outward, as well as cast a glow on to the walls above and below.

In Dancer Asymmetrical, the same principles stand, but with a twist. This river has a couple bends in the middle, the path of light reducing in size, and given a bit of a wiggle. The light is expertly balanced throughout the sconce, creating a multitude of sunset-like hues anywhere in the home.

From California but now based in Brooklyn, NY, Dawson believes that design sensitive to emotion should not be overlooked. Our innate wiring continues to be the same, century after century, and design as a whole has yet to come to terms with this reality. Fluidity and ease of movement is essential to her work, providing the platform on which to build meaning. She shares, “I’ve always felt that the design principle of form follows feeling was both an antithesis to function and services a real need. Feeling good is a function design can service!”

To learn more about lighting by Studio Anna Dawson, visit https://studioannadawson.com.

Photography courtesy of Anna Dawson.

Growing up in NYC has given Aria a unique perspective into art + design, constantly striving for new projects to get immersed in. An avid baker, crocheter, and pasta maker, handwork and personal touch is central to what she loves about the built environment. Outside of the city, she enjoys hiking, biking, and learning about space.