Candlesticks our new designs take shape

These taxing times, as many have commented, provide a respite from intense commerce and we are using this time to develop new pieces. The focus on shopping on line has become central to many businesses and we are adapting to this new reality by gradually and tentatively planning which pieces are suitable for e-commerce. Door handles are not the easiest product to sell on line as a dialogue first needs to occur so that the customer understands door terminology e.g. handing, back-set, so that the handle set can be configured to the customer’s door specifications.
So, we have begun our e-commerce field work with candlesticks which in the coming months you will be able to order on line. Our first candlestick is based on the Echeveria Lola succulent that we planted in our drought tolerant garden in August of 2015. While practical needs have influenced our artistic interpretation, the sculptures still capture the geometric and pointed shape of the leaves that define this garden plant.

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When this succulent reaches maturity she launches a flower on the end of a long shoot that attracts many bees, hover flies and small insects. We plan to incorporate these small insects into our new candlesticks as decorative features on the stems and leaves and have been sketching ideas for possible bugs whose scale and shape are fitting. One central addition is a frog which is slightly smaller in size than our existing frog cabinet pull and which we are planning to patina with the red and black markings that distinguish the South American poisonous tree frog.

The new pieces will be available in varying sizes with different stem lengths making it possible to cluster several together to form a center piece or position as individual candlesticks.

Light up the room with our new bronze candlesticks

Over the years we have shared with our clients and those who enjoy our blog just how much Martin is inspired by nature and where he goes to find that inspiration.  This may include hiking trips to local canyons or exotic spots such as our recent trip to Spain or a visit to more  formal gardens such as those at the Huntington Library in San Marino or the Botanic Gardens in Santa Barbara.  We are always equipped with our camera to snap photos of birds and other creatures and their habitats as well as beautiful flowers and foliage.  These visits and corresponding photographs serve as inspiration for future hardware and art projects.  For example, this photo of a budding succulent taken on a day trip to the Huntington Library (and hangs on the wall in our home)

served as inspiration for Martin's latest project--a pair of beautiful candlesticks.

Delicate in appearance only, these candlesticks are cast in solid bronze and measure 14" high and 6" wide at the base. They accommodate a "chime" or processional candle with a .5" diameter.  This unusual size can be purchased from specialty shops like General Wax in North Hollywood, California. The candlestick shows the succulent just before it flowers with the flower stem serving as the "stem" of the sculpture.  The concept was largely based on a succulent similar to those in the Echeveria family of succulents, specifically the 'Black Prince'.   You can read more about this plant here.

This candlestick was originally designed for our home and we then gifted a pair to our close friends on their wedding day.  We are hoping to use the design to create a larger candle arrangement that will feature a larger central succulent surrounded by small buds and the center piece would use a more standard sized candle.   Here are a couple more looks at this exquisite candlestick.

To view our entire collection of architectural hardware please visit our site at www.martinpierce.com.

Designers, please visit our showroom located at :

5433 W. Washington Blvd Los Angeles CA 90016

Tel: 323 939 5929