Avian Illuminations

The lighting design of Zhili Liu bears striking resemblance to its inspiration.
Photos taken from http://www.dezeen.com/2009/11/10/bird-by-zhili-liu/#more-50442
www.quarterlifeparty.com/tag/doves/ and http://birdsofthebible.wordpress.com/2008/03/05/birds-of-the-bible-sparrows-i/

This collection of designer lighting was created by Zhili Liu of Shanghai to resemble various specific species of birds. Although the materials used are simple bone china sockets, bare incandescent bulbs, and minimalist suspension hardware, the resemblance to birds Liu achieves is uncanny. This can be attributed in part to the angle of the lights all of which echo the axis of a bird about which there is the greatest symmetry. This axis is oriented at roughly a 45 degree angle to resemble a bird perched upright as seen in the “Sparrow” and “Nightingale” arrangements, or to represent ascending flight as seen in “Doves”. The irregular rhythm, created by the spacing and rotation of the bulbs, presents an illusion of motion while making the composition of “Sparrow” and “Doves” seem organic. The “Nightingale” design makes use of a sort of lamp shade (although it is colorless transparent glass) that resembles a bird cage. In all of Liu’s avian inspired designs this subtle use of compositional elements found in nature evokes the feelings of peace and awe. The same feelings many have when regarding the presence of birds in the world around them. This sublime kinesthetic empathy is capable of breathing life into any indoor space.