Octo lamp 2005

Seppo Koho made this Octo lamp from wood, sometime after he was born in 1967. What strikes me is the sheer process of making here: the artist has started with a material that is solid and heavy, but through some form of cutting process he has transformed it into something that feels light and almost airy. These thin slats of pale wood remind me of the way that ribs support the body – they’re minimal, essential, and yet create a sense of a protected interior. Look at how the grain of the wood is still visible, giving a warmth and texture to the whole form. The light glowing through the gaps emphasizes the curves and shadows, creating a play of positive and negative space. It makes me think of the sculptor Barbara Hepworth, who also worked with wood to create hollowed forms. Both artists share an interest in the dialogue between interior and exterior, and how light can define form. This lamp isn’t just a functional object, it’s an invitation to see the world in a new way.