Michael Wolk Creates Line for Fine Art Lighting

Interior and product designer Michael Wolk reconnects with Fine Art Handcrafted Lighting for Lomond, a collection he says exhibits “the exuberance of American modernism fused with the grace and elegance of European refinement.”

By Julie A. Palm

Interior and product designer Michael Wolk is bringing his signature neo-modern style to a new collection with Fine Art Handcrafted Lighting. Or perhaps it’s more accurate to say he’s returning his style to the luxury lighting brand headquartered in Hialeah, Florida.

“Years ago, I worked with Max Blumberg (third generation of the founding family) as the last outside designer before they developed all new designs in-house,” recalls Wolk, founder of Miami-based Michael Wolk Design. “We ended up designing the new addition for the St. Regis resort in Bal Harbour (Florida) and needed all custom lighting. We worked with Peter Yera (Fine Art’s director of design and development) and discussed me designing a new collection with them.”

“They believe, like I do, that functionality does not preclude fine art,” Wolk continues. “These fixtures have the same artistic values as the finest sculpture.”

The new Lomond line, being introduced during the fall High Point Market, includes sconces and chandeliers, available in three finishes.

Wolk describes the lighting as having “the exuberance of American modernism fused with the grace and elegance of European refinement.” The inspiration for the line, he says, came from a “beautiful wall sconce/candleholder — a cast metal bracket with a glass cup” that he evolved into a more modern shape and then into various configurations.

All the new fixtures have integrated LED, a technological innovation Wolk appreciates: “LED technology has enabled us designers not to have to worry about how to get a lamp inside a ½-inch tube.”

Wolk has earned a reputation for high-profile luxury residential, commercial and product design projects, including the Porsche Design Tower in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, (with a first-ever automobile elevator) and the Tucker chair seen in several movies and TV shows.

During High Point Market, Wolk is also launching new furniture collections with Lazar Industries and Johnston Casuals Furniture.

“Seeing things go from my ideas to reality is what I most love about design,” Wolk says. And what he loves most about product design is “how quickly you see the finished product.”

Buyers can meet Wolk and learn more about the Lomond collection on Saturday, October 17 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Fine Art Handcrafted Lighting showroom (IHFC, Commerce Wing, C229). The “Heritage Redefined: The Story Behind Lomond” event will also feature signature cocktails and light bites.