As part of a series of maps and sketches of neighborhood names and boundaries, I have started to make lampshades to hang from pendant light fixtures. The shades are made of trace (in the example below the trace is sandwiched around simple printer paper) held in shape with an embroidery hoop on either end of the cylinder. The top hoop incorporates bamboo rods (chopsticks) to balance the shade from the light socket. (This aspect needs a rethink to allow adjustment and balancing the light.)
This particular light is going up on auction (item #118) to benefit the Maple Street School, a wonderful preschool and a worthy cause. Any interested parties are free to bid up until June 7th, and if you live outside New York City I will throw in free shipping for winning bids over $100.
I’ve explored this same ‘map of names’ technique to show the counties of Maryland and the townships of Rhode Island, see below. Both images are proportioned with an eye towards making other lampshades, or simply making wall prints.
Adam Achrati 