Christopher Poehlmann
September 6-10
This is an opportunity to explore lighting design with an eye to production and marketing. Table lamps, floor lamps, wall sconces, pendants, and even chandeliers are fair game. Chris guides participants through the practical and aesthetic challenges of developing successful lighting fixtures, while sharing a wealth of technical expertise. The class design theme is “inspired by nature” and the door is wide open for creative interpretation.
Chris kicks off the course with a survey of nature-inspired lighting, and students are encouraged to arrive with preliminary design ideas of their own. During the week, Chris shares his extensive knowledge of fundamentals such as commercially available lamp parts, wiring, safety, and UL compliance. He also addresses marketing and sales to whatever extent participants would like. Most class design work is done in hardwood, plywood, and veneer, but students can also use other woodshop-compatible materials such as acrylic sheet, brass, and aluminum.
Christopher Poehlmann designs and manufactures decorative light fixtures at CP Lighting, in Philadelphia, PA, which he founded in 1998. His work incorporates a wide variety of materials that includes acrylics, metal, 3-D printed vinyl, blown glass, found objects, and wood. Chris exhibits annually at two New York trade shows, the International Contemporary Furniture Fair and Boutique Design New York. His furniture and light fixtures have been widely acclaimed for innovative use of material and form, with recognition in books, magazines, TV, and film. These include an episode on HGTV’s Modern Masters series, Design Journal’s “Best of ICFF” award, and coverage in Architectural Lighting, Architectural Record, House & Garden, Interior Design, Metropolis, Metropolitan Home, and The New York Times, among scores of other magazines.
Chris’s website is cplighting.com.
Open to those with intermediate or advanced woodworking skills.
