Christopher Chambers: Project 6 Lamp

For this project I decided to try something different, compared to the last few I have submitted.

Instead of creating an object that mimics that which it portrays directly as I had with the hammer and anvil, I decided to opt for something 'verbatum' and more inherently representative.

The decision of content was a tough one, but having a light fixture that is in need of a lamp-shade already available I decided to go that particular route - which in turn brought me to lamp-shade-like shapes, which in turn lead me to a decision that only someone such as myself would likely make:

To make an engine cowling as found on a radial-engine fighter aircraft. However, as stated above, I chose a more allegorical route than one of direct-representation - and, in turn, decided to combine visual features of two very distinct enemies...

The USSR's Lavochkin La-5FN, and the Third Reich's Fw-190A-8.

(Images courtesy Ssawka of wikipedia.pl under GNU and http://www.warbirdphotographs.com respectively)

These fighters (respectively, in the models represented) were constant adversaries over the Eastern Front, both later models in the earlier lineages of their respective lines of development.

Elements chosen from each were the most distinct - the straight-line cowling, radiator slots, and recessed fuselage gun mountings of the Fw190A-8 as well as its turbine-esque cooling duct were used, while from the La-5FN I opted to incorporate its recessed radiator exhaust ports and propeller cone, though (per its usage as a lamp) I'd included the 190 cone's fitting for a 'motorkanone' - the hole through the top.

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The result, in turn, was this.

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Formatted for laser-cutting, per its size, it takes up roughly one and two thirds 24x48 inch sheets. The object stands 13 3/4 inches tall, 11 inches around in its widest diameter.

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The lighting on this lamp shines primarily upwards, mimicing the cannon fire of the respective aircraft, both of which bore centrally fitted armament. Half of the lamp shows light easily while the other fights the light, accomplished through the placement of the radiator exhaust ports. This both prevents glare on devices in the room its intended for as well as underscores the aformentioned rivalry, light fighting shadow far less fatally than the pilots of these dueling aircraft.

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Here is the finished, laser cutter-produced product. The lamp's base was alas not designed to support its weight without tilting precariously, a lesson learned for future iterations!