the studio
Each porcelain light is meticulously handcrafted through multifaceted stages of development by a Good Design Award winning two-person team in Melbourne—Sarah Tracton (The Art) and Dr. Ian Watkins (The Science).
Every Sarah Tracton Studio piece embodies the unity of traditional artistry and contemporary technology. Each light is 100% hand-assembled in Melbourne, showcasing a commitment sustainability and circular economy principles.
.Crafted from premium Australian porcelain enriched with micro-fine iron-free bentonite and the finest firing kaolins, the material has a glossy finish that exudes exquisite translucency. During the firing process, iridescent colored stains come to life in vibrant contrast, creating a mesmerising interplay of hues. The resulting effect luminous, emitting a celestial glow that transforms any space when internally lit.
Sarah Tracton Studio lighting fixtures are installed in residences, commercial spaces and
gallery interiors in Australia and internationally.
Our passion lies in creating lighting art that transcends mere illumination. We hold the belief that lighting should evoke emotions and deeply connect with the viewer, while also being functional. Our focus is on bringing beauty and transforming spaces into more than just utilitarian areas. Each light holds a dual existence as fine art and function design. Each lit surface reveals unique one-of-a-kind idiosyncrasies, embracing the intriguing variations inherent in the handcrafting process.
our philosophy
“We take pride in authentically handcrafting with Australian materials, supporting local industry while embracing circular economy principles and environmental sustainability. Constantly innovating, we push boundaries and experiment with form and function to redefine what’s possible in contemporary lighting”
Sarah’s handcrafting process involves a niche, specialised technique of pouring liquid porcelain clay infused with coloured stains, onto plaster slab. The slip is poured layer by layer onto the slab, then the sheets are peeled away. The sheets are hand wet/dry sanded, brushed with clear glazes and fired twice final to stoneware temperatures of 1280 degrees.
To achieve the remarkable diaphanous effect, the Sarah Tracton honed in her craft during her final year of a Bachelor of Fine Arts at the National Art School in Sydney, developing a unique technique to create architectural porcelain sheets by pouring wet porcelain directly on a plaster slab before firing it in the kiln. Then, Sarah further heightens the luminous properties of the light by adding iridescent colours to the porcelain.
Crafted from premium Australian porcelain enriched with micro-fine iron-free bentonite and the finest firing kaolins, the material has a glossy finish that exudes translucency. During the firing process, iridescent coloured stains come to life in vibrant contrast, creating a mesmerising interplay of hues. The resulting effect luminous, emitting a celestial glow that transforms any space when internally lit.
the art
the science
Dr. Ian Watkins is at the core of the technical process, bringing a lifelong expertise in electronics and a PhD in Chemistry to this unique art-science collaboration. He developed the groundbreaking Good Design Award winning cordless design system, which eliminates the need for visible 240V flex cables. Powered and suspended entirely by slimline wires, the lights achieve a striking minimalist effect, appearing to float weightlessly in mid-air.
Due to the inherent unpredictability of the firing process, each handcrafted porcelain sheet develops unique surface qualities. As a result, the assembly of these delicate sheets onto the lighting framework requires meticulous hand-fitting by Ian. This process involves customising the framework and electrical components to accommodate the natural variations in each porcelain piece, ensuring both structural integrity and aesthetic harmony.
