Cole Thompson Photography

Ceiling Lamps; functional objects or objects of art?

The first time I really noticed a ceiling lamp was in a hotel lobby in Uniontown, Ohio. I was intrigued
by how it looked when I stood directly below it; from that perspective it was an abstract kaleidoscope and didn't
resemble the functional object that I had viewed from the side. As I lay on the lobby floor, studying the lamp,
I decided to produce this portfolio.

Over the next year I photographed hundreds of ceiling lamps and laid on many floors; restaurants, hotels,
offices, stores, businesses and homes. Each lamp presented a different challenge of access, lighting,
depth or color. Each new lamp triggered another idea.

Whenever I consider this project completed, I see another lamp that excites my imagination. Everywhere I go,
I still find myself looking up.