Handcrafted Luminaires | Colin Hopkins of Porcelume

Photographed by Jorge De Aroujo.

Meet multi-faceted ceramist, architect and musician Colin Hopkins, from Porcelume at Sydney’s Design Made, as he demonstrates the making of his exquisite porcelain pendants.

There is no denying that for many of us our fast-paced lifestyle and insatiable appetite for digital gratification is leaving us feeling overstimulated and underwhelmed, is it any wonder then, we are seeking solace in more sustainable living spaces. Incorporating recycled materials, natural fibres as well as handmade and handcrafted interior solutions. We have seen a rise in wellness architecture, this movement emphasizes the use of sustainably sourced, natural, handmade finishes and décor applications. Sourcing raw, natural materials, fittings and fixtures as a whole are becoming more easily attainable, however, lighting solutions can seem limited. So, it is hard to surpass the sheer beauty and elegance of Colin Hopkins handcrafted Porcelume pendant and light shade collection. Throughout his career, Hopkins was always mindful of the influence light had on the emotional aspect of any space. After studying traditional Japanese techniques and working with local ceramic masters Shane Kent and Phil Elson, Hopkins spent several years perfecting his craft.

Pictured above: Bass Drum, left. Tom Tom Pendant, right. Images courtesy of Cone 11.

Each one-off shade is individually hand-thrown, and this love and meticulous dedication to each piece is unmistakable in the result. Breathing life into these creations is no small task, the use of specifically formulated pure Australian porcelain clay, skilfully thrown to the verge of collapse in order to achieve the translucent, delicate form. Character is added to each piece by hand etching to shape and refine. The high firing of the finished lights results in the distinctive translucent quality or deep oxide rich tones which accentuate the hand-crafted elements.

Pictured above, Bongo Pendant, left. Conga Pendant, right.

Located in Melbourne’s creative hub, Abbotsford Convent, you will find Colin working alongside talented Australian ceramic artist, Ilona Topolcsanyi. Ilona is well known as a maker of bespoke tableware, supplying her wares to some of Australia’s most celebrated chefs. Porcelume Luminaires are available in varying sizes, our favourite the large-scale Bass Drum Pendant. These original lights are a sculptural organic work of art as well as an ambient light source.

Also, a talented jazz pianist, Hopkins love for music isn’t lost in his art – each light emits a highly resounding bell-like tone when gently tapped. Images courtesy of Cone 11.

In keeping with sustainability, all materials for Porcelume’s lights are sourced locally. Waste and environmental impact are kept to a minimum and recycling of materials play a major role in production. Porcelume lights are available through Spence and Lyda nationally.

Pictured above, Conga Table Lamp left. Bongo Pendant, right.

Join Colin Hopkins in demonstrating the making of his Porcelume pendant lights on the Spence and Lyda stand at Design Made, Friday 27^th– Sunday 29^th October @ SUNSTUDIOS, Alexandria.