Incandescent 232 (Retired) | Houston Llew Spiritile

“If your curiosity could be turned into electricity, it would light up the whole world.”

- Nikola Tesla

During the span of his life, Nikola Tesla's inquisitiveness and seemingly harebrained ideas lead to inventions that preceded historical expectations. In the late 19th Century, Tesla devised the initial inventions of radio, radar, x-rays, hydroelectric power, among many more. His dedication to discovery was unparalleled. He solved problems before we as a society knew they existed. A man out of time, he was the embodiment of an inventor looking to create for the betterment of the world, rather than the enrichment of his pocket. Now, in this age of entrepreneurship and self-dedication, we can benefit from his inventions, and become inspired by the noble principles of this tenacious pioneer.

• Summer 2019 - Retired 2022
• 8.5 x 5.5 x 2"
• glass enamel on copper, formed around a wood core

Every Spiritile is made painstakingly by hand in Houston Llew's studio in Atlanta, Georgia. The glass is applied to one side of the metal using stencils and relying on precise layering with hand sifters. The piece is only fired once. After firing, a pin is rolled over the enameled metal to form intentional crazing marks in the glass. Although it goes against the medium's traditional teachings, Houston says this technique creates increased light refraction, particularly in the transparent glass.

Spiritiles can be hung on the wall (they look especially impactful in groups), displayed freestanding, and even withstand high humidity, direct sun and covered outdoor environments (we recommend taking them inside during cold winter weather).