Incollect Magazine - Issue 9

90 www.incollect.com After over two decades as the unseen force behind renowned lighting brands Lusive and Luxe Light + Home, which debuted in 2002 and 2015 respectively, Los Angeles- based creative partners Sally Thomas Cooper and Jason Kai Cooper embarked on a new journey in 2023: the creation of their namesake brand, Thomas Cooper Studio. Driven by a shared passion for design and a desire to explore the material and sculptural essence of lighting, they founded the studio with the aim of crafting exceptional collectible pieces. Sally and Jason’s shift from behind the scenes and into the spotlight marks a new era in their collaborative journey, offering a glimpse into the artistry and innovation that fuel their designs. With a focus on materiality and craftsmanship, Sally and Jason continue to push the boundaries of lighting design through a distinctive lens, inspired by their unique backgrounds. New Zealand-born Sally is an accomplished weaver, textile artist, and set designer who draws inspiration from the rich tapestry of human history and a strong connection to her Danish and Viking forebears. Her work is an exploration of storytelling through fiber, metal, and light, where each thread becomes a conduit for narrative and emotion. Sally’s approach marries ancient techniques with contemporary vision, resulting in pieces that are at once timeless and avant-garde. Jason, an award-winning lighting designer, has illuminated some of the most iconic venues in the world, from the 5-star Mandalay Bay resort and casino in Las Vegas to the intimate performances at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles. He brings architectural precision and a sculptor’s imagination to the studio’s creations with designs characterized by their bold geometries and innovative use of materials. Jason’s background in theater lighting design makes his work for the studio a constant dialogue between the tangible and the conceptual. A DISTINCTIVE CREATIVE VISION Each Thomas Cooper Studio piece is a carefully curated blend of combined elements, from the delicate artisanship of hand-blown glass to the rugged beauty of carved marble. The studio’s approach to design is a balance of light and shadow, and form and function. LIght The Story of Thomas Cooper Studio New Initial concept of Tetra pendant