The Anglepoise Triptych (comprising LED Glass (2010), Ceramic (2011) and Timber (2011/12)) takes the classic form of the Anglepoise Lamp and reinvigorates it with three new shades. This draws upon Wilson’s philosophy, espoused as a simply question. Whenever he begins a new work, he asks if there is a better example of that product already in existence. If the answer is yes, then he will examine it deeply or find a different angle.

Similarly, his Preserving Jar Redux (2011) takes the classic preserving jar, removes the traditional glass lid and replaces it with a 3D printed and then ceramic cast replacement, changing the simple form and function of the original jar into a vase, with two examples on display — one a complex form in and of itself, and the other riffing on the original shape of the vase itself.

Both the Anglepoise Triptych and Preserving Jar Redux approach the Stories In Form frameworks through narrative and manufacture. The Anglepoise Triptych also utilises history as it completes a journey for Wilson, bringing the three works from recent years together as one.

The narrative of the Triptych stems from the repurposing of elements of the task light, and the Redux comes from taking the original vessel away from its prior intentions, turning an otherwise utilitarian item into something with a more decorative and dramatic purpose.

Through manufacture, the Triptych renegotiates the industrially designed original to bring new materials into the mix and augment them with handcrafted methods. Conversely, the 3D printing of the Redux takes cutting edge technology and a more hands-off process to realise the finished product.

Below you will find three audio tracks featuring Wilson and his collaborator on the Redux forms, Guy Keulemans, discussing their work. Keulemans is a multi-disciplinary designer working in product design, graphics and installation. His practice produces critical objects informed by history, philosophy and experimental methodology.

You can find out more about the four frameworks employed in Stories In Form by reading the introduction from the curator, Jacqueline Power, here.

To find out more about Stories In Form, click here, and to find out more about Wilson visit his website, or his Shapeways site. If you’re in Sydney you can visit his studio and store shared with Trent Jansen, Trent & Henry, in The Rocks. To find out more about Guy Keulemans, visit his website.

Clamp Top Jars Redux 1 - Craft & Hybridisation

Clamp Top Jars Redux 2 - Slow Design

Clamp Top Jars Redux 3 - Intellectual Property, Novelty and Ethics