Hi, I’m Jay, the maker behind Retro Steam Works’ upcycled lighting creations. I create one of a kind repurposed lamps using reclaimed materials. Retro Steam Works is a one-man operation; I am the designer, maker, mover and shaker.
I obtain my materials from various sources, such as; estate sales, flea markets and recycle centers.
I have always been a fan of vintage things and discarded artifacts. I thought, “what if I tinker with them to see what turns out of it” and voila, here I am, creating things and enjoying myself while doing it. I love the idea of creating something out of a piece that has history. Vintage and rusty stuff really catches my eye.
The process I use to create my pieces may sound simple, but to me, a person with a mild case of ADD and OCD, this is sometimes difficult. It usually starts with some research for inspiration, but what really ignites the process is when I lay out some of my materials and do a hand-on-material sketch. Once the materials are gathered, they are cleaned thoroughly without altering the patina so hard earned. Then I look for the right design which must be durable and useful. When I’m satisfied with the design, I proceed to assemble, then the wiring and testing.
Source: etsy.com
