Over time, I refine every detail until it no longer asks for attention. Every decision removes rather than adds, until only what feels inevitable remains.
Towards the inevitable
A living practice
My work is a stream of one-of-a-kind sculptures, each one refining the last as I adjust proportions until a form settles into its most natural balance.
Along the way, I discover new techniques, explore new materials, and gradually become better equipped to push ideas further.
I allow forms to evolve through making, and I find it most exciting not knowing where they might lead. Some remain singular experiments, while others continue to evolve over months or even years.
Occasionally, a form reaches a sense of balance that feels complete. Only then does it become a numbered edition, produced in small series while preserving the individuality of each sculpture.
If my work resonates with you, I'd love to hear from you — hello@jameshaywood.me
Beyond Portland Cement
Coming from aerospace engineering, I've always been fascinated by how matter behaves—its strength, weight, longevity, and the environmental cost of achieving them.
Portland cement has served us remarkably well, but today we have the opportunity to explore alternatives that can outperform it in many applications while greatly reducing its environmental impact.
Among the approaches I find most promising are geopolymers, synthetic mineral binders emerging from laboratories, and binders derived from sediments.
It’s less about virtue and more about curiosity — seeing how far these new materials can go, and what forms they make possible.
± 0.05 mm tolerance
3D printed in carbon fibre-reinforced polymer, the on/off switch was engineered with safety as the first priority, then refined through iteration until its proportions, tactile feel, and operation felt just right.
Carbon fibre is used throughout the sculptures—from the switch and cable fittings to the sculpture base—for its exceptional strength, lightness, and dimensional stability. Once sanded, it loses its sheen and settles into a matte finish, discreet and soft to the touch.
Built with EU-certified electrical components, every element is assembled and tested by hand in the atelier to ensure long-term reliability, durability, and safety.
The interaction
Conceived as an optional companion to the illuminated sculptures, this wireless dimmer houses a Philips Hue controller within a bronze enclosure designed with ergonomics in mind.
Countless iterations refined its proportions, weight, tactile feel, and the satisfying click of each button until it felt instinctive in the hand. Printed in bronze-filled filament containing 80% bronze and polished by hand, it develops a natural patina over time, quietly recording the marks of touch and use. Its reassuring weight and soft feel give it the presence of a sculptural object.
A single dimmer can be paired with up to ten light sources, allowing multiple sculptures to be controlled effortlessly from anywhere in the room.
