Dieter Volkers' "Ball Clamp"

In view of the artisanal approach represented by Ball Clamp, it's apropos that Volkers casts his studio as a "shed." Certainly the piece has the feel of some Rube Goldberg contraption patched together from the haphazard inventory of an inventive backyard carpenter. It also represents the next step in a new breed of resourceful solutions to lighting. Have a look at the self-assembled inspirations of Coil, Spun, and BIY for a refresher, then return to Ball Clamp for a thorough perspective on its advancements.

The big difference between that trio of predecessors and Volkers' latest is of course the central radiating element of the luminescent bean bag, a component that gives new texture to the lighting lexicon while inviting all manner of creative appropriation. The "assemble it anywhere" character of Ball Clamp further emphasizes its utilitarian roots (I can't help but think of the ubiquitous work site lamp-haven for craftsman consigned to work in dark places). Of course, Ball Clamp has a more alluring look than that pragmatic essential: the combination of iron clamp and pliable plastic is strange and compelling at once, synthesizing future and past as it strikes out for a new aesthetic and an expansive palette of possible use.