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A Sense of Wonder – Ross Gardam
Exploring different forms of sensory engagement, two new collections from Melbourne designer Ross Gardam are centred on intimacy and connection.
Combining refinement and an intrinsic rigour, Ross Gardam has become one of Australia’s most well-regarded industrial design studios. Inherent to Ross Gardam’s work is an interest in exploring the depth and breadth of materiality, pushing boundaries in search of new possibilities. The studio’s two new collections, Ceto and Place, both differ in their offering but are together conceived on ideas of imagination and exploration, of inciting a sense of wonder, and with an aim of bringing people closer together.
Combining refinement and an intrinsic rigour, Ross Gardam has become one of Australia’s most well-regarded industrial design studios.
Ceto sees a lighting collection unfold as a family or suite of variations and applications. Its handblown organic glass elements combine with the reliable rigidity of its refined supporting framework. The series extends from a wall light to chandeliers, ceiling pendants and free-standing light fixtures. Due to their irregular nature and interaction with the internal light source, each offers a sculptural focal point, whether they are illuminated or not.
Describing the collection’s flexibility, designer and studio founder Ross Gardam says, “the ability for Ceto to bridge across many functions was key. I wanted something that was truly universal. The various configurations of the Ceto light all share a delicate balance between the organic glass elements and the machined aluminium components. Each light source appears to be simply pressed onto the supporting tube with no visible connections. This ingenious connection method takes on an organic form and gives the product an overarching lightness.”
Inspired by the surface of the ocean, the blown glass creates its own unique pattern, which, in turn, emits an intricate pattern of shadow and illumination. “For me, the ocean has such a calming effect; it’s a place heavily wrapped up in childhood nostalgia and a deep feeling of tranquillity,” Ross says. “I wanted the Ceto light to act as a kind of mnemonic device, allowing you to return to this place.” While the collection is produced by Ross Gardam’s Melbourne studio, the glass itself is handblown in Adelaide’s Jam Factory, reinforcing the studio’s commitment to collaboration. “Intertwined with everything we do is locality,” explains Ross. “Being able to collaborate with local makers not only achieves heightened results, but it’s also fun. Engaging on a project on a micro level with other passionate people is one of the reasons I love doing what I do.”
Lounge collection Place takes a more rational approach. The series is conceived from an ideal of bringing people together. Now, as places of work and life are constantly being restructured, the ability for products to transition between the commercial and residential spaces has become more important. Furniture that would normally be found in the home environment is being brought into the office space to create a place of connection and comfort. Similarly, the home has increasingly become a place of work, requiring an additional level of functionality.
“The ability for Ceto to bridge across many functions was key. I wanted something that was truly universal. The various configurations of the Ceto light all share a delicate balance between the organic glass elements and the machined aluminium components.”
Offered as a modular platform, each configuration provides an opportunity for customisation and personalisation. Ross says, “Place solves problems other products do not, and it achieves this while offering an exceptional level of comfort and style. I see it as a unique product with so many configurations possible – I am truly looking forward to seeing how people use it and how it can evolve in space.” Designed to be streamlined, with a minimal surrounding edge detail, the flexibility inherent in the collection allows for a myriad of varying adaptations, all with prioritising function. Each piece can also be zipped together in place and can be set up in a more permanent arrangement with a detachable bracket joiner.
From a studio known for progressive and forward-moving design solutions, Ceto and Place are true embodiments of the Ross Gardam ethos. Designed for the public and the private, residential and commercial, there is a versatility to the objects being conjured. And, through the level of experimentation and exploration, the resulting pieces embody their own sense of wonder, inevitably defying the conventional.
