Noting the amount of effort required to craft this haunting light source, to call the Vestige for Ross Gardam a mere source of illumination seems to do the spectral optical device disservice. The idea behind its design: to stir up a sense of wonderment. With over three decades of expertise turning glass into objects of awe, renowned glass artist Peter Kovacsy seems the ideal talent to bring such imagination to life.
The solid parabolic cone with a concave face made from cast crystal glass results in a sculptural light source that illuminates with a spectral glow.
Unveiled at the TRANSCENDENCE exhibition as part of Milan Design Week 2023, the exquisite Vestige’s brutalist-inspired sculptural silhouette revels in the radiant inherent properties of opaque glass, communicating both a delicate aura contrasted by the lamp’s stout stance. The design is also a reference to the remote southern area of the Western Australian environment, a moody landscape muse where moonlight exists as an ethereal glowing presence.
Each piece is handmade from cast glass and formed to sit upon a raw aluminum base. Paired with a machined conical dimmer that adds to its solid weighty presence, the limited edition series of five light sculptures are also polished and waxed by Kovacsy himself.
Ross Gardam with Vestige in Milan
This collaboration connects Kovacsy’s glass-working expertise guided by Gardam’s focus upon the geometric and surreal, and will be limited to a mere edition of five available exclusively online at rossgardam.com.au until sold-out for $36,337.
All images © Seb Lester, shared with permission
Lewes-based artist Seb Lester (previously) vacillates between the maximal and minimal in a new pair of aphoristic prints. Die-stamped in gold ink, the calligraphic works are studies of the relationship between medium and message, all filtered through elegantly gilded lettering.
“Carpe Diem,” the popular Latin maxim to “seize the day,” is the ornate of the pair and embedded with swords, flowers, and elaborate motifs. “I’ve drawn from many influences, including Victorian Memorials, Medieval Cathedral Inscriptions, and the work of the finest Writing Masters of the 18th century,” Lester says. “The letterforms are all highly ornamental and drawn especially for the project—warm Lombardic Capitals paired with a softened Textura lowercase.”
As a counterpart, the other print is more austere, reading “Illegitimi Non Carborundum,” which roughly translates to “don’t let the bastards grind you down.” Using bespoke Roman Monumental Capitals depicted “as if lovingly carved and gilded in marble into a magnificent ancient monument,” the mock-Latin phrase is graceful and refined, a contrast to the otherwise audacious message.
Both limited-edition prints are available in Lester’s shop, and you can find more of his calligraphy on Instagram.
Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article A Pair of Contrasting Prints by Seb Lester Gilds Popular Aphorisms in Elegant Lettering appeared first on Colossal.
Will Zhang’s curiosity for design and incredible interiors was established at an early age, eventually leading him to his current position as Director of Design and Product Innovation at Emtek. There he establishes industrial design as a key part of the brand, maximizing the aesthetic and design value of products while continuously searching for new inspiration and ideas.
But he didn’t arrive at this point on his own. Will credits his best friend, spouse, and fellow industrial designer – Carolina – with being a constant source of support and guidance since they first met in college. He said, “Her influence on my designs is immeasurable, and I look up to her with the utmost respect and admiration. I aspire to emulate her in every way.”
A noteworthy design moment that stands out to Will occurred when he was beginning his studies in Industrial Design. A close friend took him to visit an exhibit by Ant Farm, a multidisciplinary collective involved with alternative architecture, performance, and video. “The experience left a lasting impression on me and he even gifted me a book about the group afterwards,” he said. “The concept of underground architecture and design captivated me, and their work still resonates with me to this day.”
During his time at Emtek, Will’s designs have received several awards, including the Interior Design BOY Award 2014, Best of KBIS Award 2020, Architectural Record Best of 2021, Good Design Award 2022, and AN Media Best of Product Award 2022.
“Breaking away from work can often be a challenge for me, but I have recently established a routine that involves taking my dogs skateboarding at 6pm daily,” he shared. “This activity brings us so much joy and has been instrumental in helping me disconnect from work and bring closure to my workday.”
This week, Will Zhang joins us for Friday Five!
Photo: Joel Mott
I grew up skateboarding, from when I was 7 or 8 years old. My cousins had an influential part in that industry and culture, founding a few surf and skateboard companies in Venice, California, and are still a big influence to this day.
I didn’t get to start exploring surfing until just recently when I turned 40, thanks to Lasik eye surgery. It’s opened up a whole world of wonder, creativity, and excitement for me as a designer. The tendency within those worlds to “go against the grain” is really intoxicating. Whether concrete or water – not only to create stimulation but also new lifestyles and counterculture. There’s an element about surfing that’s core to the human spirit, it’s no wonder it’s rooted in indigenous cultures and documented all across different parts of the world.
I also really admire those that shaped surfboards, innovated in their garages and workshops – people like Bob Simmons who revolutionized surfboard design. Although his ideas didn’t catch on until way after his death, it’s a reminder to search for inspiration from those that came before us before trying to reinvent the wheel.
Photo: Emtek
I’m most creative when my studio looks like a tornado swept through it! I don’t cherish any of the sketches or artwork I produce during my design process – the majority end up in the trash completely undocumented. Is it just how I work – or maybe the product of my childhood lack of structure? Regardless, it works for me and I feel uninhibited when I ideate this way. I can create freely, knowing the only important sketches are the non-physical thoughts running through my head. I spend a lot of time just staring off, thinking about, and envisioning a particular design. I might not look productive or very busy, but I swear, the wheels are turning!
Furthermore, I think mixing elements to create something new and funky are my favorite sorts of designs, and one of the things that inspired the Select line from Emtek. Like the Mah Jong Sofa from Roche Bobois – such a genius way to weave in whimsical and colorful details while still keeping things chic. Life is too short to not play with styles and textures!
Photo: Emtek
We found Copper running around the parking lot at the Emtek corporate office. The first time I saw her foxy face and bushy tail I fell in love, and knew immediately that I wanted to rescue this dog. However, she was extremely afraid of humans and it took two weeks to actually capture her. Once we got her home, I spent three full days building her trust by enticing her with treats nonstop until she caved. The moment she learned to trust me sealed our bond and we’re totally inseparable now!
We’re still learning about each other day-by-day, but it taught me that as cheesy or cliche as it sounds, that as long as there is love, there is hope. I’m really looking forward to our future full of adventure and great memories together!
1870s Russell & Erwin Brass Dog Door Knobs, via Ebay
A theme found in my work is that I’m always looking backward to look forward. Maybe I got that from my mother who was a history professor? I admit that I have this weird obsession with door hardware and I’m also a dog nut. But apparently I’m not even close to the first in this niche! Antique dog door knobs have been around since around 1890. The industrial revolution modernized the world, and to be honest, not much has changed with door knobs since then. It’s amazing to see that, much like today, designers were embellishing products with motifs of our favorite furry friends. It really makes me wonder about the designer and the realization that our motivations are really not that different today than they were back then. I’m always seeking a connection with the past and I spend a good deal of time looking at design history through outlets like antique shopping, thrifting, even collecting old catalogs and design magazines.
Photo: Amy Biller Switzer
I’m constantly in awe of the natural world and I always say that if I wasn’t a designer, I would have been a marine biologist. In fact, nature and coral specifically, helped to inspire the Galapagos Collection of door hardware that we launched in 2022. Organic textures and materials are something I’m trying to weave into my work more and more as well. I’m also fascinated by how other designers interpret their affinity towards nature, in other nature-inspired products, like the mid-century Aurora clock.
Spoke Knob The Spoke Knob deconstructs the concept of traditional door hardware by stripping away excess material, leaving a single spoke to bridge the body of the knob with its base. This inaugural design by Will Zhang, celebrates a decade of Industrial Design at Emtek by re-envisioning what a modern door knob can be.
Emtek Select Collection The Emtek Select program offers a new level of customization for hundreds of unique combinations, made just for you and your home. Mix finishes, textures, and styles with ease across Levers, Knobs, Cabinet Pulls, Cabinet Knobs, and Appliance Pulls. New Select Lever and Knob options, like Black Marble and Terrazzo, will be available through Emtek later this year.
Ace Knob The newest addition to the Emtek Studio Brass Collection, the Ace Door Knob. Visually impactful but accessible. The design mimics the profile of a T-cabinet knob, but with interior or exterior door application and scale.
Stradella (Schaub Cabinet Collection) Stradella offers a variety of Made-in-Italy, sandcast, bronze edge pull designs. Inspired by the Striation texture of the Italian Alps, Stradella provides a rustic modern cabinet edge pull profile in a classic bronze material that will develop a sophisticated patina with age and use.
Detroit Lakes, Minn. (KDLM) – Street Faire of the Lakes is returning to downtown Detroit Lakes on June 2-3 with plenty of new additions to the outdoor arts and crafts festival.
Elle LeMere, marketing manager for the Historic Holmes Theatre, said this year’s faire will feature some new artists and crafts aimed at younger kids.
“Kent Estey is a native American painter and artist and he’s really amazing and he make really beautiful nature scapes,” said LeMere. “And really uses a good value for the color … and he’s really popular in the area and he’s done a lot of other art shows before, but this is the first time he’ll be at Street Faire.”
LaMere also said a custom puzzle maker that designs their work around educating kids will also have a booth at this year’s Faire.
“You Name It Toys, they make homemade puzzles that are meant for kids,” she said. “They both watched their children grow, and learn, and develop, and the noticed, when they played with puzzles, this activity really held their attention, and it involved them and their playtime as well. (The kids) became really excited once they mastered a puzzle and learned while doing that they mastered basic shapes, colors and letters through the process of completing those tasks.”
For parents looking for something, or someone, to distract their kids while they shop, Lemere said, she has that covered too.
“We’re bringing our art class teacher, Kate Stearns, and she’s setting up a booth in the Street Faire and she’s going to be doing rock painting, and it’s free,” said LeMere. “Parents can drop their kids off and have them paint a rock, and hang out with Kate … and the kids can do a free fun craft and take it home with them.”
She also said the Street Dance will be back this year for the first time since 2019. This year’s concert will feature the rock band, Get Over It, who play classic rock and country from the 1970s to today. The concert will get underway at 9 p.m. on June 2 at the Eagle’s Beer Garden. The cost is $5 and the show is 21+.
New York Mills Regional Cultural Center will present “Celebrating Cultures,” an annual community art and cultural exchange from 4-7 p.m., on Wednesday, May 31 at the New York Mills Sculpture Park/Barn, which is located just of U.S. Highway 10.
“Last year, we had it out at a sculpture park,” said Cheryl Bannes, New York Mills Cultural Center artistic director. “We had about 100, 150 people show up. We had dancers and drummers from White Earth.”
Celebrate the cultures of the region with this public community event hosted by the Cultural Center and Niijii Radio, which is an independent broadcasting radio station to the people of the White Earth Indian Reservation in Callaway.
“We had a number of dancers from White Earth, which was really fabulous. it is something everyone needs to come out and see and then we had a Finnish display from Finn Creek (Open Air Museum),” Bannes said.
This year is the third annual event held in partnership with Niijii Radio. Niijii Radio will once again work with partners to share Native American dancing, drumming and storytelling, as well as a variety of indigenous artists and makers.
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“We have so much going on,” Bannes said. “There is something for everyone. There’s food, there are demonstrations by artists. There’s art people can do. There’s art that they can purchase.”
Contributed / Cheryl Bannes
At this year’s event, organizers are opening the event up to vendors to sell their goods. Vendors who are selling goods are asked to pay a booth fee of $25 (and keep 100% of their own profits). Artists demonstrating or sharing practices do not pay any fees.
“As you know, the New York Mills area has a strong Finnish heritage. But it also is historically, Ojibwe lands,” Bannes said. “And there are there’s a lot of history in this area that isn’t being acknowledged perhaps as best as it could be. “
Ideas for participation in “Celebrating Cultures” include art activities for children and adults, artist/maker demonstrations, cultural exchange sharing presentations, food booths/trucks and any creative way to share and celebrate a variety of cultures, organizers of the event stated.
“What we’ve found is that a number of people living here in this part of Minnesota have not had the opportunity to go to perhaps a powwow or see the Native American regalia and understand the dance and the drumming,” Bannes said.
Contributed / Cheryl Bannes
In the case of extreme/inclement weather on the day of the planned event, New York Mills Cultural Center officials are planning on a rain date of June 2.
“This was a great way for us to be able to bring everyone together to create an atmosphere of appreciation and understanding and the dancers and drummers from White Earth are wonderful in explaining what the dances are for or the meaning or the history of each of the dances,” she said.
Bannes said organizers of the event have invited people of many cultures over the years and just wait to see who shows up sometimes.
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“This year, one of the things that we’re getting is an Aztec dance troupe coming up from Minneapolis. We’re very excited about that,” Bannes said.
Those with questions about the event are encouraged to contact the New York Mills Cultural Center at 218-385-3339 or
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“The first couple of years of the event, we were really stifled a little bit by COVID. And so we’re growing this to be an all-inclusive, welcoming event,” Bannes said. “We want everyone to come and feel welcome and anybody who would like to join in should give us a call.”
FRANK LEE is the features writer for the Wadena Pioneer Journal. He may be reached at 218-631-6470 or at
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I cover the community of Wadena, Minn., and write features stories for the Wadena Pioneer Journal. The weekly newspaper is owned by Forum Communications Co.
