The trio at Rich Brilliant Willing aren't the only ones out there drawing new Picasso-esque creations in light. Today alone, in fact, brings us a couple of "especialistas de iluminación": Joseph looked at Chai Young Lee, while I'm re-visiting Spain's Arturo Ãlvarez. "Re-visiting” because one young month back I looked at the lunar sphericity of Guau, and today I'm tempted by the slatted cylindricity (yes, it is a word) of the refreshing Shio. This charmingly unassuming collection is refreshing because almost anything from the sea-washed region of Galicia-Alvarez' domicile in Northwestern Spain-cleanses the proverbial palette (especially the local beer), and they're all made with a rather surprising material–simple laminates of wood.

Shio. Designed by Arturo Ãlvarez.

The choice might seem a bit baffling even though we've seen others of its ilk (Crack Bowl Pendant, Green Lantern, and Brave New World). But as conceived by Ãlvarez, wood is a logical choice for a lightpiece, after all it's a "universal shape, gentle, combined with the beauty of a new use given to laminated board, a sequence of layers in a curved shape giving power and dynamism to a warm and multi-purpose collection." The different incarnations of the Shio lamp-bedside table, standing, hanging pendant, and desk-evoke this very synthesis between domesticity and high style. The lengths of laminated wood are spaced just so to facilitate the light's subtle yellow effusion. The effect reminds me of the eternally-comforting glow of a softly-lit room within a snow bound cabin. Yet its clean lines and compact design also eschew any hint of kitschy rusticity. Dimmer options and finishes in white, wenge, or yellow round out Shio's appeal.

See Shio and other Arturo Ãlvarez creations at 100% Design London, beginning next Thursday.

Via InteriorsFromSpain.