Meet The Maker: Alvaro Picardo

Alvaro Picardo is a modern day Geppetto, bringing inanimate objects to life with a little paint and a lot of creativity.

Taking inspiration from a variety of sources, including historical artistic movements, the natural world and architectural forms, Picardo distills his points of reference into an interplay of material, form and color. Imbuing each of his surfaces with new life, he transforms lampshades into functional artwork with sculptural proportions, creating objects that dance with elegant vibrancy. 

"For me humble materials represent a fantastic opportunity. With just a little love they bcome so much more...It's amazing what a new lick of paint and a little time can accomplish."- Alvaro Picardo

Working between London and Empordà, in Catalunya, Alvaro's lampshades hold the memory of their place of production, the makers focus, and bears the considered hand made marks that make each a unique creation of time and place. We worked closely with Alvaro on the design and color of a series of lampshades, from standing to chandelier, each with a character and presence of their own.

At home with Alvaro Picardo's creations, bringing warmth, beauty and unique charm.Our largest lampshade Untitled 1 (below) took the work of Cuban-born American abstract, minimalist visual artist and painter Carmen Herrera as the inspirational point of departure. Channeling the sculptural quality of her hard-edge works, Alvaro adds a softness through the underlying form of the lampshade, creating an object that is bold yet domestic. Untitled 2, three ways. Good anyway you base it.

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