Jan Ernst Studio’s Wildflower Waters Chandelier is a Luminous Ode to Nature

Unveiled at PAD Paris 2025 with OWN, Jan Ernst Studio’s Wildflower Waters Chandelier channels memory, craftsmanship and nature into sculptural, collectable design.

WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Courtesy of Jan Ernst Studio; Courtesy of Objects with Narratives – Photography Tijs Vervecken

The recent PAD Paris, which brought the finest contemporary and modern design pieces from across the globe, provided the perfect opportunity for Jan Ernst Studio to unveil the Wildflower Waters Chandelier (a similar chandelier was shown at Cape Town Furniture Week 2025 in February).

Created specifically for Objects with Narratives’ Room of Desires booth at PAD, this bespoke piece embodies the gallery’s vision of blending contemporary art with luxurious design. “The Room of Desire offers an intimate exploration of craftsmanship, sensuality and excellence. Embracing the colour red, the space transcends mere hue, becoming a narrative woven from the finest materials and meticulous craftsmanship. Each piece is carefully curated to engage the senses, inviting a tactile connection that dissolves the boundary between viewer and object,” says OWN.

The chandelier was inspired by Jan Ernst’s childhood memories of spending hours by the river on the farm, surrounded by the natural beauty of the water and flora. “I was always fascinated by the way water moved – its gentle ripples, the way it carried petals and leaves downstream, and how light danced across its surface. Wildflowers along the banks, bending with the breeze, created an ever-changing composition that felt both spontaneous and intentional. This chandelier is a translation of those moments – fluid, organic and infused with movement,” he explains.

This connection to nature became the foundation for the design, with the studio spending eight months researching and experimenting with botanical forms. “My goal was to translate nature’s ephemeral qualities – growth, decay and renewal – into a sculptural lighting piece that feels alive,” says Jan. He started by studying the organic structures of wildflowers, petals and seed pods, sketching and sculpting forms that captured their fluidity. As a result, the organic shapes of the chandelier mimic cascading willow branches, and the flowing water of the river is captured through a ceramic ceiling projection.

“One of the biggest challenges was balancing fragility with structural integrity. The chandelier needed to feel weightless and spontaneous, like petals caught in a breeze, but also maintain a cohesive and functional structure. I experimented with different sculpting techniques and material compositions, refining the scale and proportion of each element,” Jan says of the process. “A breakthrough came when I began layering and overlapping the pieces in a way that mimicked natural growth patterns, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow,” he adds.

This piece reflects the studio’s commitment to collectable design, paying homage to nature through personal storytelling while embracing a relentless pursuit of craftsmanship. “Materiality is at the heart of the design,” says Jan. Each component was meticulously hand-built in the studio using locally sourced white stoneware clay, specially mixed for Jan Ernst Studio. “The choice of white stoneware clay, iron oxide treatments and copper elements was driven by a desire to evoke the raw beauty of nature while enhancing the piece’s sculptural and luminous qualities.”

The studio has enjoyed a four-year relationship with Brussels-based design gallery, Objects with Narratives, having showcased work together at PAD Paris three times, along with numerous group shows, BRAFA and the Collectible Fair. At this year’s PAD Paris, the Wildflower Waters Chandelier was displayed in a curated living room setup, alongside works from other artists. “Set within the Room of Desires, it becomes a luminous focal point that speaks to longing, memory and transformation. Emotionally, the chandelier plays with contrasts – light and shadow, fragility and strength, stillness and motion – to evoke a sense of nostalgia and dreamlike beauty. The botanical references tap into something deeply familiar yet fleeting, reminding us of nature’s cycles and our own transient experiences,” explains Jan.

Looking ahead, Jan plans to evolve the chandelier into a bronze version. “Bronze, with its rich history in sculpture, allows for a deeper exploration with texture and light. By casting the hand-built ceramic forms in bronze, I aim to preserve the spontaneity and fluidity of the original clay pieces while introducing a new dialogue between strength and delicacy. The patina of bronze, much like the iron oxide in the ceramic version, will continue to evolve, reinforcing the theme of time,” says Jan. “From a sustainability perspective, working with bronze aligns with my studio’s commitment to longevity and responsible making,” he adds. This next step will further his vision of merging art, design and sustainability, creating pieces that challenge material boundaries while maintaining a strong connection to nature. | jan-ernst.com

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