Snakelight
Posted by ReadyMade
Project by Scott Flora and Jerinne Niels
Inspired by Castiglioni and Frattini’s Boalum of 1970, the Snakelight looks like something out of Barbarella. Its flexible coil can be displayed in many ways: suspended from the ceiling, between walls like a floating helix, draped from ceiling to floor, or coiled like a cobra in a dark corner. We made it from white dryer duct, but you might also try heavy-duty translucent exhaust tubing for more cinema verité.
Skill Level
Very Easy
Active Time
Less than an hour
Cost
$
- 10' of bulk dryer tubing
- Long string of lights with power switch on the cord
- 5-6 drywall plant hooks
- Fishing line
Materials
- Scissors
Tools
String the lights through the dryer tube. Drape the plug end out of the side that will be nearest the outlet.
Cut five or six pieces of fishing line of varying lengths (if you prefer your Snakelight to hang evenly, cut uniform lengths).
Take one of the pieces of fishing line and knot it tightly around the dryer tube. On the other end of the fishing line, make a small drop loop knot (or any knot you know that won’t slip).
Continue in this fashion, working your way down the dryer tube at 2' to 3' intervals.
Screw a plant hook into the ceiling. (Remember to choose a location near an outlet.)
Bring the lamp up to the ceiling and loop the fishing line around the hook. Have a friend hold the lamp for you while you step back and decide where to place the remaining hooks. (It can be a straight line or a squiggly one for a more snake-like look.)
When you’re finished, plug it in and turn it on.
