Concept Statement

Our acoustic lamp collection “ILLUMIKNOTTI” seamlessly intertwines form, function, style and sustainability. Warm globes of light are wrapped within soft, inviting knotted forms. Offered in both pendant and table lamp styles, the knit forms are based on mathematical concepts such as torus knots and Borromean rings. Produced using a machine-knit technique, our designs harness mathematics to push the boundaries of conventional production methods to create sound-absorbing soft sculptures with embedded lighting elements. The design utilizes published mathematical research* on minimal-length knot configurations to optimize the amount of material required to create each knotted design. The interior support and lighting elements are built around a hyperboloid structure that securely holds the knotted sculpture in place. The knitted form is created with recycled wool yarn and filled with reclaimed industrial textile scraps, maximizing sound absorption while minimizing environmental impact. * https://archive.bridgesmathart.org/2023/bridges2023-369.pdf

Project Specs

TORUS PENDANT LAMP *Pendant Torus Knot: 16” diameter, 10” height *Machine-knit recycled yarn tubing (4” diameter), filled with UltraTouch Recycled Denim Acoustic Insulation *Variable hanging length (20”-56”) *Metal canopy with glass shade TORUS TABLE LAMP *Overall: 12” diameter, 11.5” height *Table Torus Knot: 12” diameter, 7.5” height *Machine-knit recycled yarn tubing (3” diameter), filled with mixed reclaimed fibers (shoddy) from FabScrap Brooklyn *Ceramic/Wood base: 9” diameter, 4” height *Glass shade

Bio

AABSTRACT STUDIO is a collaboration between mathematician Laura Taalman and designer Alicia Tam-Wei, transforming abstract formulas into tangible forms. Dr. Taalman is a professor at James Madison University specializing in knot theory and computational fiber arts. She graduated from the University of Chicago and received her PhD from Duke University. Ms. Tam-Wei is a designer and educator at RISD and Parsons; she holds degrees from Yale, the Royal College of Art and Imperial College London.

Website: aabstracted.com

Instagram: @aabstracted

ORIGIN: New York, NY / Harrisonburg, VA