I recently interviewed Tom Kretzschmar with Illuminations Lighting Design to discuss the importance of working with art consultants. I wanted to learn more about Tom’s perception of art consultants in general, and the exact role that ILD plays as a resource in this very unique and eclectic field.
What is the role of an art consultant?
Art consultants provide a valuable service to individuals or corporations who are building or maintaining fine art collections. They work closely with architects, builders and/or
interior designers to integrate art and other design elements tailored to the project. Additionally, they may commission site-specific artwork, provide custom framing, ship and deliver artwork, as well as supervise the installation and lighting.
Does ILD have special knowledge of fine art that other lighting companies may not have?Yes. With a vast knowledge of both commercial and residential applications, we bring to the table a wealth of
lighting design and
electrical contracting experience. Our practical, yet sophisticated art lighting installations are tailored to the application and desires of the client. Whether you are looking for a simple recessed accent light or a high performance optical framing projector, the knowledgeable licensed electricians from ILD are up for the challenge. As a specialty
art lighting company since 1980, we have illuminated some of the world’s most popular artists such as Chagall, Picasso, Matisse, Renoir, Rockwell, Salvador Dali and Rembrandt.
As the owner and founder of ILD, what do you consider your greatest achievement?
There have been many over the years that we feel really good about. The one that stands out the most in recent memory is a project we did at Jones Hall.
Illuminations Lighting Design, a Houston Texas based fine art lighting company was contacted by the City of Houston Convention & Entertainment Facilities Department through its contract with the Houston Arts Alliance and following the recommendation of the Richard Lippold Foundation, commissioned ILD to engineer and install a new high performance lighting system for the
Gemini II sculpture in Jones Hall. Gemini II is the work of Milwaukee-born artist Richard Lippold and was commissioned by the Houston Endowment in 1966. It has been hanging in Downtown Houston’s Jones Hall for the past 42 years now.
Whomever the artist and wherever the artwork is located, you can trust the
fine art lighting services at Illuminations Lighting Design to design and implement a fine art lighting theme that will showcase your collection in the best possible light on a budget you can afford. Let trained
corporate art lighting consultants help you with your art collection.
Labels: Art Consultant, Art Lighting Consultants, Fine Art Lighting Company Texas, Houston Lighting Designers, Houston Sculpture Lighting, Lighting Consultants, Low Voltage Display Lighting Experts
The lighting store we bought fixtures from said they cannot help us with lighting our antique cabinet. Why?
Most lighting stores do not install fixtures; they simply sell equipment and refer you to a display lighting contractor who can install them. When it comes to antique cabinet lighting, few electrical contractors will touch this type of work. Antique cabinets are fine and valuable forms of furniture that represent a very big liability if damaged. Any significant amount of cutting into an antique cabinet and destroy its value. Also, most standard linear strips will not look good in an antique cabinet. Antique cabinets are mostly custom-built, and standard light fixture dimensions will not fit them.
Many of our clients and lighting consultants contact us because they have experienced the same frustration you are facing now. They feel they must either leave the cabinet unlit, or risk damaging it to illuminate its contents. There is, of course, a third alternative.
What is that alternative?
The only way to successfully light an antique cabinet is with customized cabinet lights and special wiring techniques. Only a few fine art companies in the world of design are willing to show this type of flexibility when working on a project. It is analogous to playing cards, and being willing to make the most of the hand you are dealt. Because every cabinet is different, you have to treat it as a unique and special project on a case by case basis. You have to work wires through existing space without making visible cuts in the wood, and you have to use cabinet lights that will not be seen once installed. The same holds true in new home wiring or electrical remodel work.
Can Illuminations Lighting Design do all of this?
Yes. We have worked for over 25 years in the world of fine art and display lighting, and have literally installed lights in thousands of antique cabinets over the years. As a Houston electrical contractor our specialists combine strong, practical wiring and electrical skills with a keen eye for design and aesthetics. Most antique cabinets are built using saw brackets and cleats to support the horizontal shelves. The small spaces between the shelves and the vertical sides provide opportunities for hidden wiring—providing the electrician has the patience and skill to do so. Our home lighting design team does, and also has access to highly specialized cabinet lighting strips that can be concealed underneath the shelves and powered with these hidden wires. Only a few screw holes are what are needed to install the strips and contact pads, and the value of the cabinet is preserved along with its presentation power being enhanced with interior illumination. The lighting fixtures themselves cannot be seen by people looking at the antiques in the cabinet, which appear to be softly bathed in a warm luminance that appears sourceless and multi-dimensional.
What services other than display lighting does ILD offer?
Illuminations Lighting Design is a full service design build firm specializing in residential and commercial indoor lighting and outdoor lighting, electrical service and maintenance as well as home automation, home theaters, emergency generators, surge protection systems, and phone systems.
How can I reach you to schedule an appointment?
Contact us at 800-863-1184 today to talk about your next lighting project or visit our lighting and home automation blog to learn more about our products and services.Labels: Antique Cabinet Lighting Houston, Antique Furniture Lighting Specialists, Low Voltage Display Lighting Experts
One of the most powerful and effective forms of accent lighting in any home or office is the use of low voltage strip lighting to highlight art, bookshelves and furniture. These hidden lighting sources enhance color, texture and form of any objects displayed.
Illuminations Lighting Design in Houston, Texas specializes in low voltage shelf and cabinet lighting installations. Years ago they created and patented a low voltage adjustable shelf lighting product called
Phantom Lighting. This low voltage strip light can be used in both free standing antiques as well as built in cabinets.
The experienced craftsman at Illuminations Lighting Design are like surgeons when it comes to
installing shelf lighting for new construction projects or after the fact on remodeling projects. They have an uncanny way of hiding the wiring and light fixtures for amazing results. They know how to respect a fine antique by installing the lighting with minimal damage to the cabinet.
So, if you are interesting in learning more about custom low voltage lighting for your display cabinets, coves or fine furniture, contact the lighting professionals at Illuminations Lighting Design.
toll free at 800-863-1184 or visit them online at
http://www.illuminationslighting.com/.
Labels: cabinet lighting, Cabinet Lighting Systems, Fine Art Lighting Company Texas, Houston Cabinet Lighting Experts, Low Voltage Display Lighting Experts
