Besides being a snake-haired woman from ancient mythology, Medusa is a class of cnidarian, or jellyfish. Medusae (plural) have umbrella-shaped bodies that vary in shape from bells to discs. These free-floating wonders appear quite beautiful in the water, since their convex upper bodies (also called arboreal surfaces) give way to a mass of spindly tendrils below.

Some medusae allow light to pass through their bodies, giving their jelly-like bodies an awesome transparency: they appear like little beacons in a dark sea. Some medusae feature amazing hues such as indigo and magenta, and some have candi-colored tentacles in interesting shapes—wispy, ropy, whiplike, and floral.

Medusae. Designed by Roxy Towry-Russell.

Aquatic Lighting

Designer Roxy Towry-Russell obviously sees the beauty in these seafaring beings, since she has developed a line of lighting based on the creatures. Medusae Pendant Lamps copy the two-part bodies: the light source is hidden within the upper umbrella, and it cascades down the tentacles. This lighting group takes its cue from nature, specifically from the oceans. The result is a marine collection of pendant lamps that look animated.

They dangle from the ceiling with life, turning your room into an underwater aquarium. You will feel as if you’re swimming through reality, as opposed to walking on solid ground. Part of Medusae’s attraction—the gorgon, jellyfish, and lamps—are the sinuous scrolls that spill from the round form. But the real allure here is the illumination these objects contain within, which light up the bodies of Medusae and trail down their anfractuous tendrils like…water.

Photos by Kathryna Hancock:
http://kathrynahancock.com/

Via Industrial Design Served.