September 30, 2010

Unique Illumination.

My home is far from stylish. It is however unique and filled with items of affection. Everything has a story and everything in it means something to me.

Every decoration, every painting, every object and even the furniture holds a sentimental value. My home is a collection of memories and details which define who I am.

Such is my light in iron and wood, as I like to call it. A simple but very unusual lamp, made from cast iron and rough wood, it was given to me by my parents when they relocated their home a few years back.  Purchased in a gallery, the lamp is created by an artist that must have loved the rugged and the pristine found in natural materials and who could see something beautiful in the unusual.

It used to hang above the stairs in my parents house and I recall its mystical shine, as it would cast shadows over the walls in the evenings. I always found the lamp slightly enchanting and intriguing.

According to my father, the wood is a former harness that held the horses reins, while the majestic animals would be ploughing the fields. I do not know the age of the wooden object, however due to the type of its former use, I sense it carries perhaps over a century of history in its rough surface.  I often wonder about the animals that laboured arduously, once long time ago between its edges, as well as about the lives of the people that led them. Ultimately I am also fascinated by the artist that envisioned an enigmatic potential in a discarded piece of tool, to see it become once again of use for centuries to come, but in a new, unique way.

To spread enchantment through pale and intimate shine, in a unique home.

31 comments:

Maria said...

What an appropriate post for this time of the year. I love the magic of lamps and candles at night, especially at this time of the year.Lovely photos!

Unknown said...

A truly special piece of lighting with many stories to tell. Yours is one of them.

Sandy said...

What a special and unique lamp Zuzana! Your home sounds just like mine. Mine is loaded with objects from two sets of parents and my brother (all deceased) that I wouldn't part with for any amount of money nor would I remove simply because it isn't the current style. I have a lamp similar to yours (the lamp base is made out of cypress wood) made by my paternal Grandfather. He went into the swamps of Georgia and cut the wood himself and made several lamps - I am lucky to have one of them. I love seeing photos of your lovely home. Thanks for sharing. I'm up in the middle of the night (again) legs bothering me. Hope to get back to bed soon.

Kath said...

Thankyou for letting us visit your beautiful cosy home xx

Elizabeth said...

What a beautiful and special lamp you have there.
Hope you have a chance to enjoy the beautiful weather of today. It isn't as cold as yesterday. It is just perfect.

S. Susan Deborah said...

I truly like the way you've said: "My home is a collection of memories." So true! Zuzana, I've been reading your posts for about a year now and I have seen that memories are very very essential to you. In fact, they define and possess you.
And the lamp you have shown us is so quaint and surreal. It is almost like something out of another age and time. I wonder how many memories the lamp might contain. Zuzana, have you danced in the light of that lamp with your Irishman (with batcat watching, of course).

I wish you lovely memories and many treasures to cherish.

Joy always,
Susan

Elisabeth said...

There is so much beauty and emotion caught up in objects like this extraordinary lamp. And the passing from your parents to you only adds to the depth of meaning. Thanks, Zuzana.

Brian Miller said...

that lamp is way cool...love the old wood and organic feel...everything has a story...it does and does not surprise me you see it this way...have a wonderful day....

A Bit of the Blarney said...

You have captured my imagination with this post. I love it when stories are told and connections are made with the life we live. Thank you! Cathy

Phivos Nicolaides said...

A lightful post! Excellent.

Sandi McBride said...

I loved this post Zuzana, because it is so you and it rings so true. I think most of us can really relate to this and thanks so much for sharing!
hugs
Sandi

steviewren said...

It is unique pieces like your lamp that make each of our homes our own. The story behind the pieces make up our life stories.

I have an old refurbished chiffonier in my living room that was made into a curio cabinet/storage piece by my ex husband. I keep glass keepsakes in it. I recently cleaned out the drawers and replaced the contents with my crochet and embroidery things. That puts my supplies close to me when I am watching television and want to work on a project at the same time.

Claus said...

What a unique piece!! I really like the wood material of it, as it gives it a more "cozy" look. Your entry got me thinking about my home, and the pieces in it that have history and meaning. Mainly, about my grandma's sewing machine, old radio, and other furniture. So many memories!
have a lovely day!

Bossy Betty said...

That is such a wonderful piece of useful art, Just thinking about its original use just sends the mind into all sorts of stories!

Lovely post an a reminder to fill our homes with things that matter and enrich our souls!

sprinkles said...

What a cool little lamp! I love the idea that after using it for one thing, someone decided to recycle it into something completely different which works just as well and will likely last just as long as a new lamp.

Laura said...

Zuzana, I love the way you have described this lamp with such tenderness...it is quite a unique work of art and so deeply tied to your memories of your parents home. How beautiful.

Keera Ann Fox said...

What a charming lamp! And what a wonderful gift from your parents!

Cat in the road said...

I can’t help but notice that the ‘red couch’ once adored in an earlier post is now hidden by a barrage of pillows. Notice I never stick to the subject at hand.

NENSA MOON said...

Sound like you really have a cozy home... surrounded by the things which have a sentimental value...
Love all the pics.

have a fabolous day, my friend!
nensa

Rajesh said...

Your home is very decorative and that light is certainly unique.

tony said...

It is a rare skill to fashion new beauty from history.Yes Light keeps the past alive .
Im off to Manchester for the weekend, have yourself a fine weekend Zuzana.
X

Nessa said...

Rabbit, rabbit.

That lamp is beautiful. I love unusual pieces like this too. The history makes them so special.

Stickhorsecowgirls said...

#What a lovely unique lamp. And your home looks artful and inviting! I truly have a special love for lamps that are beautiful and this certainly fits! I love the association with past use as anything to do with horses (which I dearly love)! Maria is so right--this autumn time of year is when light from the light or candles is especially beautiful! I think I shall look for lanterns for my patio!

Unknown said...

your home is comfy and cozy. love the story of the lamp. I have been so busy lately I haven't been able to get around and visit much. hope things settle down soon! have a great weekend Zuzana.

Hilary said...

That is indeed a beautiful, functional piece of art. That wonderful harness has seen so much toil and strength behind it. It pleases me to know that it relaxes in the wonderful atmosphere of your home.

Jill from Killeny Glen said...

What a wonderful piece Zuzana. I love your style and sense of color, light and decor!

SandyCarlson said...

Your home looks comfy and inviting. That is a very nice lamp. I like your interpretation of the art.

Joanna Jenkins said...

It's wonderful that you have your parent's lamp and that you know some of it's history. That makes it an heirloom in my book. It's beautiful.

Have a great weekend,
jj

Rustique Gal said...

Zuzana,
What a charming piece! I love old wood and iron. Pieces like this impart their stories into our dreams. They give us history and warmth. They make our houses homes. Your home appeals to me in a big way...
Sherry

Mimi said...

I love these unique pieces, and the stores carried with them. That's what makes these objects so special.

Zuzana said...

Maria, Keats, Sandy, Kath, Elizabeth, Susan, Elisabeth, Brian, Cathy, Phillip, Sandi, Stevie, Claudia, Betty, sprinkles, Laura, Keera, Scribe, Nensa, Rajesh, tony, Nessa, V or C, Doreen, Hilary, Jill, Sandy, Joanna, Sherry and Mimi – thank you all for your great comments and compliments on my home.;)
I guess most of us view home as a place we can just “be” and enjoy it just the way it is, filled with memories and people we love.

I am glad you found my tale of this intriguing lamp interesting.

I cherish your visits at all times and I love to read what you have to say - thank you all for stopping by.

Xoxo
Zuzana