Big Red

Sculptural light work carved from Texas mesquite.

Work Description

Big Red is sculpted from a commanding section of Texas mesquite, a wood prized for its density, hardness, and naturally saturated color. Deep crimson and warm umber tones run through the grain, giving the piece a visual weight and presence that is immediately felt—before the light is even engaged.

A carved vertical channel exposes the tree’s darkened heartwood, transforming its dense core into a luminous interior chamber. When illuminated, light rises through the form and activates the mesquite’s natural palette—reds, golds, and molten browns—producing a dramatic interplay of depth, shadow, and warmth. Hand-shaped surfaces transition deliberately between refined planes and raw texture, preserving the material’s inherent character while asserting sculptural intent.

Anchored by a brushed stainless-steel base, Big Red stands grounded and resolute—rooted in Texas soil, elevated through contemporary light-art design, and unmistakably bold in both stance and color.

Each Arte LUMIS work is one of a kind.

Specifications

Material: Texas mesquite wood
Dimensions: ≈ 6 ft (H) × ≈ 10 in (W)
Base: ≈ 20 × 20 in, brushed stainless steel
Light source: Integrated LED
Socket type: GU10 (main) + G9 (base illumination)
Wattage: 6W (main) + 2–3 × 4W (base)
Color temperature: 3000K (main) / 2700–3000K (base)
Finish: Hand-finished, natural oil
Year: 2025

Big Red was developed through a reduction-based process in which the final form emerged through successive cuts rather than a predetermined design. The density and hardness of mesquite required deliberate pacing and restraint, allowing the material’s structure and internal coloration to guide each decision. Light was introduced only after the form resolved, integrated to emphasize depth and mass without overpowering the character of the wood.