30 May, 2023
The Nebula collection was born out of a desire to explore the art of weaving and the beauty of stars and cloud formations.
The design process for the Nebula collection began with an exploration of basket weaving, one of the oldest known crafts in human history. We were also particularly inspired by the traditional metal baskets used in Mexico to carry eggs and fruits. Basket weavings inspired us to create a system of organic and sculptural pieces and to blow glass inside the woven patterns.
Drawing from this idea we continued our research and encountered the glass technique of ‘caged’ or imprisoned glass’, a traditional glassworking method common in the town of Tonalá, Mexico. The technique involves creating cage-like structures of metal, which are then encased in a larger bubble of glass. This process inspired the team to create three-dimensional forms through the interweaving of materials, resulting in a unique collection of lamps and lighting sculptures
For the Nebula collection, EWE Studio created a set of organic structures in metal wire inspired by the shapes of cloud formations, which were then filled with viscous glass bubbles to create a sense of depth and movement. Nebulaes were inspiring to us as they emit light and produce an ethereal and sublime atmosphere characteristic of EWE’s work. The resulting lighting pieces uses a smart LED system that captures the beauty of this natural phenomena.
To achieve the desired effect, the team had to carefully consider the temperatures needed for both glass and metal to behave as desired. The glass is heated to at least 1260ºC (2300 °F) to be picked up in its viscous state, while the metal structures behave differently at different temperatures. EWE Studio’s efforts to understand these materials on a deeper level led them to analyze the creation process of the Nebula using thermographic tools.
The making process of the Nebula collection is showcased in a video that reveals the different temperatures and steps the pieces go through in the creation process. The pieces are done in collaboration with Mexican glass studio Nouvel, and the video is narrated by one of the artisans of the workshop.
By drawing inspiration from traditional Mexican crafts and natural phenomena, the team has created a collection of lighting sculptures that are both beautiful and functional. Through the use of materials and careful attention to detail, EWE Studio has once again pushed the boundaries of design and shown their commitment to exploring new mediums and languages.