This is one of the few lamps I’ve created out of red willow, which is sacred to many native people. I’ve only run across this stunning plant in one location in northern New Mexico. The plant really spoke to me, telling me to only harvest a small amount. I was also guided to leave plenty in the way of offerings in exchange for permission to cut the branches. These were the most beautiful red branches you’ve ever seen. After curing, the color darkened to a deep maroon color. I papered the lamp during a warm, late September. It was an Indian Summer, and I used a golden Thai Unryu paper to represent the warmth of the season, and the golden display of aspen that was right around the corner. Lit with a plug-in LED bulb which stays cool to the touch and claims 50,000 hours of life! This lamp warms up any room with a cheery glow.
Indian Summer
Branches: Sacred Red Willow - Deep, maroon to black
Paper: Thai Unryu mulberry paper - Goldenrod