OUR PROCESS

We make lamps because we love interacting with light: the waning sun, the flip of a switch, the warm pool that floods a room. Whether that interaction is with a lamp, pendant, sconce or even a candle, it's part of a daily ritual, which is why we believe these pieces are an essential aspect of any room.

How we work, as illustrated by Charlie

How We Work

Our lamps are made from clay that’s sourced not far from our studio in Litchfield, Connecticut. Drawing from the straightforward, simplicity of modernist sculpture, they are constructed from slabs, which allows for the clean, graphic shapes we tend towards. Glazed in a muted natural palette, they reflect the textures and contrasts found in our surroundings – the rough softness of lichen, the layers of peeling bark on a plane tree.

Each lamp is a collaboration – the product of our experience and interests as interior and lighting designers. They balance form and function. We want them to look as good in daylight as they do when illuminated at night. And, most importantly, they are meant to be lived with, revealing their texture and character the longer you spend with them.

1. Each lamp begins as a template. Slabs of clay are cut, textured in some instances, carefully scored, assembled into our desired shape, and then left to dry until leather-hard. Any leftovers find their way into our accessories and our Deetz lamps.
2. Once fired for the first time, we use a combination of glazes and glazing methods to carefully build up the finish, which is then fired again. Whether matte or mirror-glass, it must have character.
3. The finishing stages: the lamp is wired, antique brass fittings are installed, and a shade is sourced, which, we've discovered, is a skill unto itself. The shape, material and color of a shade can completely transform a lamp, much like a good hat.

FROM SKETCH TO
Finished piece

1. Our inspiration comes from far and wide. It can be found in the natural flora and fauna around our studio in Litchfield, which is serene and sometimes surprising. Or in the product of human hands, like the shapes and forms of the mid-century – we're particular fans of Jean-Michel Frank – or objects from unknown craftsmen. Dumais Made began because of antique Japanese lamp.
2. Clay is a natural material, which means each of our pieces is individual. Even a pair of lamps, while made from the same template, possess their own expression. Their surfaces and seams are subtly different. Their shapes quietly distinct. It's a natural individuality, one that is respectfully enhanced through our hands.
3. Our pieces are finished with the finest glazes. We’re drawn to depth and contrast found in the environment around us – the way nature layers colors, for instance. Or the way gilding can maximize the quality of light, both natural and artificial.

Tactile Textures

We typically apply glazes using either a dip method, where the piece is completely submerged for a more even texture. Or, using a pour technique, which allows us to graphically layer the glaze, building up variations in color and tone. The result of both can often be surprising.

Our matte-black lead glaze and oxidized-copper glazes are often confused for cast metal. We use a range of non-toxic glazes for our products. When the pieces are fired, these glazes behave like the those found in stoneware. It means that the unlikely activities of microwaving, baking, dishwashing or eating off one of our lamps or accessories are entirely safe.

Dumais Made began as a series of table lamps. Playful and experimental, they still adorn our home today. Since then, we have expanded and evolved these forms into a range of lamps, sconces and accessories. Designed in New York and handmade in Litchfield, they are pieces for everyday life.

Discover our range of lamps, sconces and accessories