My Process and Materials
Each shade starts with a custom wire armature. A white base layer is constructed through a wet papier maché process using Kinwashi, a long-fibered Japanese paper. Several layers of strips of paper are applied to the armature after being dipped in white glue. Given time to dry, the Kinwashi tightens up like a drum and forms a luminous shell. At this point any number of decorative papers can be cut and applied.
My Inspiration
Inspiration comes from all corners: Islamic tiles, Japanese kites, mid-century modern architecture. My work is also heavily inspired by artists, fashion styles, and art movements.
My Design
I often work with clients to answer specific project needs. My background in textile design gives me an ability to generate patterns, make coordinates, and scale the motif up and down quickly to suit the design parameters.
My Process
After the design is drawn out, the pattern parts are cut from a variety of decorative papers. Every stripe, flower, and dot is hand cut and individually placed.
My Studio
Lamp shade making is both messy and yet incredibly detail-oriented work.
"Jil Smith is a consummate Seattle artist working within a visual tradition turning exotic subjects, lush colors and sensual images into incandescent lampshades.
Her lampshades are replete with Egyptian Pharaonic hieroglyphics, Matisse iconography and Pollack fractals among many other forms. If you want to light up your living spaces in a riot of visual pleasure then Jil Smith’s lampshades are for you."
— Keith & Richard
You are probably wondering who makes these beautiful lamps bases:
Jil Smith & kRI kRI Studio Lamps
My Collaborator
Since 2011 I’ve been collaborating with Kristin Nelson of kRI-kRI Studios. Consider pairing one of my lampshades with a handmade ceramic lamp base from Kristen. Check out the kRI-kRI Studio Etsy store to see her work.
kRI-kRI Lamps
VIT ceramics lamps are produced at kRI kRI Studio in Seattle by the designer and artist, Kristin Nelson.
VIT, say, "veet", is Swedish for "white". VIT ceramics focuses on form rather than pattern. The sensibility is Scandinavian, practical yet soft, and grew from a desire to simplify.
