Chicago Street Lamp

Past Work

Jun 12

These vintage lamps can be found scattered throughout downtown Chicago and certain neighborhoods, adding a touch of charm to the cityscape. This piece showcases a Victorian-inspired lamp with a complementary color scheme of blues and yellows, emphasizing its timeless appeal.

Research

As part of an initiative to enhance the visual appeal of Chicago sidewalks, the city opted to replace existing lamps with vintage designs dating back to the 1920s. The twin-arm pole design was specifically implemented to provide illumination for both pedestrians and motorists. Although the designer behind these lamps remains unknown, the intricate Victorian-style base and subtle Art Deco elements are indicative of their craftsmanship. Interestingly, a similar style of lamp can also be found in a small town near Sydney!

The Design

This artwork combines two embroidery techniques: thread painting and line work. By utilizing thread painting, I was able to employ threads as if they were paints, skillfully blending shades of blues and yellows to create depth, highlights, and shadows, resulting in a captivating visual effect.

To accentuate the intricate details of the black base, which would have otherwise been challenging to showcase, I chose to incorporate line work. This technique expertly highlights and emphasizes every aspect of the design, allowing the viewer to appreciate the lamp's intricate features.