My Green Lifestyle likes upcycling, re-use, and DIY projects… Yes, but only when the result is chic and stylish! Now that’s said and done! We simply love the idea of bringing outdated objects back to life, using them in another way than initially planned, thus giving them a new identity… That’s why we naturally developed a crush on “Lumière de l’atelier”, a French workshop making lamps out of reclaimed objects.
Do you remember? One of its lamps was a part of our Valentine’s Day’s special. Today, Stéphane Kiefer, the designer, kindly answers our questions and walks us through his upcycler’s world.
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How did you start making these lamps?
I looked for a long time for old industrial workshop lamps to restore them. By continually hanging out in workshops and coming home with reclaimed materials, I finally decided to create my own lamps, in an industrial spirit, using only random materials and recycled objects. In fact, I wanted to give a second chance to objects that were bound to be destroyed, by transforming them into lamps.
Where do you create your lamps?
In my workshop, in my basement. It’s not very big, it’s dark and cold, but I feel comfortable there, in the middle of all my accumulated pieces and all my tools!
Can you describe how you create your lamps?
The first step, certainly the longest, is the search for objects and materials that I’ll use. I visit former mechanics and sewing workshops in order to find old unused pieces. I go from one flea market to another and I go up and down the streets to find abandoned objects. I collect them and store them all in my workshop. Sometimes during more than a year! Then, I weld, I cut, I sand, I screw, I brush, I pierce, I polish, I electrify… and a unique and signed lamp is born!
What are the materials you like to use?
Metal, steel more specifically, because it offers a wide variety of aspects and colors, depending on its age, its condition, and on the way it’s been brushed and polished. I also use oak (old recycled parquets) for the lamps’ bases.
Is it a full-time job? What are your projects?
It’s more like a hobby. Although I decided to sell some of my lamps to buy back some equipment and some raw materials, I have neither a commercial objective nor a long-term vision. Above all, I indulge myself. But if a great opportunity occurs, I don’t think I’ll hesitate!
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Many thanks to Stéphane, who kindly answered our questions!
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And, as a bonus, here’s a picture of the unique design, of which I’m now the happy owner… I feel so light-hearted!
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Visit the blog « Lumière de l’atelier » to discover his work : www.lumieredelatelier.over-blog.com
And of course, we’ll keep you posted on when and where his next exhibitions and sales will take place.
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Julie & Marie
