Sessilia Collection

Sessilia is the name given to the collection of the second edition of the artistic residency by Luminaire Authentik in collaboration with ceramic artist Édith Sévigny-Martel.

A set of 9 unique lights entirely handmade by Édith in her Montreal studio.

The artistic residency ended up being a very material-focused study as the entire collection was rebuilt three times, with many losses along the way.

The first time, I tested a translucent porcelain, which we thought would be perfect for lighted ceramic objects, but I discovered it didn’t suit my natural building process. Every piece cracked during drying or firing.

The second time, I used standard sculpture clay. The results were better, but, as is typical with ceramic work, some pieces still cracked or warped.

What made the difference was spending a summer residency in New York with Simone Bodmer-Turner and Episode NYC Ceramics, two ceramicists who create functional pieces. Observing their process helped me understand the nuances of blending art with lighted design objects. Upon returning home, I attempted the collection for Luminaire Authentik for the third time. This time, it was successful, and here are the pieces that resulted.

My creative process is intuitive, with each piece evolving from the last. As a self-taught artist, observation and redirection are central to my practice, and my work develops in response to my life experiences.

I start by observing and analyzing my surroundings and materials—testing them and sketching forms that reflect a certain state of mind. Once the materials are selected, I begin creating, visualizing a shape and allowing it to emerge, while being guided by the process of hand-building. The finished objects embody a relationship between material and emotion, reflecting my perception of the world and the growth experienced throughout their creation.

For any questions about the creative process or specifics of the collection, feel free to reach out to us.