Oblure — Enlightening the Esoteric (Part II)
Stepping into the embrace of my tranquil office sanctuary, a soothing ambiance washes over me, carefully crafted by the transformative fixtures of Oblure, the renowned Swedish lighting brand. Gazing out of the expansive window, my eyes are treated to a mesmerizing tapestry of the bustling city below. The rhythmic pulse of life intertwines with the delicate dance of sunlight, enhanced by the ethereal glow cast by Oblure's fixtures. It creates a play of shadows and highlights, mirroring the ebb and flow of my own creative journey, amplifying the sense of connection and inspiration.
This is Part 2 of a captivating series where we continue to dive into the world of Oblure, guided by the expertise of Deniz Canpinar (CEO and Owner of Oblure). In this installment, we will further explore their design philosophy, delve into their creative process, and uncover the industry challenges they encounter.
Arch Circle.
The newly launched Arch quickly became a favorite and it wasn’t long before several constellations were in demand.
Hi again Deniz, wonderful to meet up with you once more to continue our conversation. Right off the bat: Can you tell us about a time when Oblure took a risk or tried something new that paid off in a big way?
“Hello Rebecca! It's great meet up again and to continue our conversation.
Certainly, the founding of Oblure itself was a significant risk that eventually paid off. When Markus, one of the founders, started the company without any prior knowledge of light or lighting, it seemed like a daring move.
I recall asking him about it when we first met, and we both had a good laugh. However, Oblure embraced the challenge head-on and were determined to make a mark in the lighting industry, especially when it came to Scandinavian design philosophy.
Blockchain System.
The Blockchain System consists of extruded aluminum cubes, attached together apparently random.
A single cube traveling through time and space – rendering a sequence of positions for the beholder.
Starts from 1200mm up to 3000mm length.
Another notable risk came when I became a co-owner of Oblure, right at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. Personally, it was a risk for me, considering the uncertainty and economic turmoil that followed. The company faced its fair share of struggles, relying on personal investments, dedicated efforts, and support from family and friends.
The pandemic and subsequent global events added more obstacles along the way, affecting the world economy in a domino effect as follow. Despite these challenges, our small size and agility allowed us to navigate through the difficulties. We persevered, saving every penny, and efficiently developing prototypes and products in a super creative manner.
One of the boldest risks we took was literally going all-in for the Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair in February 2023, where we unveiled four new products: Arch Pendant, Arch Circle, Lightbone, and Helios Ceiling. This decision required investing all our available resources, but we witnessed an immediate impact during the fair.
Which was a great relief for us and a good recipe that we were doing it right. When we also sent out press releases during the fair to numerous blogs and magazines for our new products and that we are exhibit at Stockholm Furniture and Light fair, and within a week, the response was overwhelming.
It felt like the whole world was calling and emailing to inquire about our new lamps. Even now, after a couple of months we have a significant number of orders in the queue, customer eagerly awaiting the arrival of these products. The fair and the release of these new designs not only brought attention to the new products but also created a buzz around Oblure as a whole. Suddenly, the business market became aware of Oblure´s identity and the value we bring with our products.
Remarkably, the attention generated by the new releases also shed light on Oblure's existing portfolio. To be honest, our whole portfolio was a big slam news, since we were unknown as an underdog brand, the entire product range gained substantial publicity, further establishing our presence in the market.
Taking these risks and overcoming the associated challenges has proven to be a turning point for us. We have managed to establish our name, showcasing innovative designs, and secured a significant customer base. Through perseverance, creativity, and a willingness to go all-in, we have reaped the rewards of calculated risks, positioning ourselves as a notable player in the lighting industry for sure.”
Mondo Triplette.
Inside Triplette is a configuration of three Inside pendants with a ceiling canopy.
The lamp is a tribute to the most generous and kind lady in the city of Bergen, Norway.
The pendant is an attempt to materialize her genuine enthusiasm, passion and knowledge about design into a single object.
How does Oblure incorporate diverse perspectives and voices into its product design and development process?
“At Oblure, we bring together a diverse range of expertise. With my background as a lighting designer and electrical engineer, together with Markus's over a decade of experience as a freelance designer and that he also is from a well-known furniture company family, we offer a unique blend of knowledge and creativity. We have cultivated strong connections within the design community, collaborating with architects, interior designers, lighting experts, and other talented individuals.
Our open-minded approach encourages us to seek input and opinions, both from our network and our external R&D team. By embracing collaboration and incorporating diverse perspectives, we continuously push the boundaries of innovation in our designs.”
Can you share any interesting or quirky behind-the-scenes stories about the creation of a particular Oblure product?
“We disagree a lot, ha ha. In a proactive way of course that the outcome is mainly positive result. Sometimes when we are in 3D visualisation stage, and then print it in a 3D model outcomes sometimes are awful. Then the reaction is what hell were we thinking of? ha ha. Thanks for the rapid development of technology and 3D printers.”
Can you discuss any partnerships or collaborations that Oblure has engaged in to further its mission?
“We are thrilled to share that we have established a collaboration with Belid Lighting Group as our main subcontractor.
This partnership marks a significant milestone for us, as Belid has its own production factory equipped with state-of-the-art machinery and highly skilled teams. Working with them allows us to streamline our production process and saves us valuable time. We now have the capability to manufacture entire products through this collaboration, which brings us immense relief. It ensures a flawless and smooth production experience while granting us full control over the quality and production process. It's worth noting that the proximity of Belid's location on the west coast, only a 40-minute drive from us, adds an extra level of convenience to our collaboration. We are truly excited about this new partnership and the possibilities it brings to both sides.”
Can you describe any social or environmental initiatives that Oblure is involved in?
“At Oblure, we are committed to taking initiatives that have a positive impact on both society and the environment. We have actively supported social causes such as Suicide Zero and My Great Day, which focuses on assisting children in need. These are just a few examples of the initiatives we have been involved in, and we will continue to support similar causes in the future.
Furthermore, we are proud to be a member of Svensk Form and a Wood partner, enabling us to contribute to shaping society in a sustainable direction through design. We prioritize the purchase and sourcing of components that are environmentally certified, such as using FSC-certified wood, ensuring traceability, incorporating recycled materials, and designing products that are 100% recyclable or compostable. Additionally, we strive to minimize the use of styrofoam in our product packaging, opting for more sustainable alternatives.
In line with our commitment to sustainability, we have also adopted a fully electric company vehicle, reducing our carbon footprint. We continuously strive to improve our practices and always keep sustainability in mind. We understand the importance of ongoing efforts to minimize our environmental impact and are dedicated to making a positive difference in the world.”
Cirrata.
Unexpected experiences and surprises wait deep down on the ocean floor: a body with many arms lights up the depth. Arrogant and presumptuous, there is no doubt about who is the ruler down here. A lonely but nevertheless unafraid character with forms born out of the resemblance to other inhabitants of the unknown.
Can you discuss any plans or goals for expansion or growth for Oblure in the coming years?
“Following the recognition we received from the fair, we are excited to announce our plans for international expansion through the establishment of agents and distributors. To facilitate this expansion, obtaining multiple market certifications for our products and components will be a priority to ensure compliance and meet the requirements of various regions.
Our strategy moving forward includes maintaining a steady pace of introducing 2-4 new products per year while also aiming to develop one high-profile product. This approach allows us to continuously innovate and stay at the forefront of design.
In addition to our expansion plans, we are focused on extending our presence by establishing showrooms in key locations such as Stockholm and either Malmö or Copenhagen. These showrooms will serve as important touchpoints for customers to experience our designs firsthand.
Furthermore, we have an exciting idea in the works for a new segment within Oblure. While I can't reveal too much at this stage, we believe that despite the saturated and super competitive market for these types of products, we can differentiate ourselves and make a significant impact, unless some else hits it first. We have just begun conducting market research in this area, and it is still in its early stages.
Our ambitious goal is to have a full range of this new products ready for showcasing at the Salone del Mobile - EUROLUCE in Milano by 2025. This major event will provide us with a platform to unveil our new segment and further establish our presence in the international design community.
Overall, these plans reflect our commitment to growth, innovation, and making a lasting impression in the global market.”
Lightbone in Blue Oak.
Lightbone, has emerged victorious at the renowned "Year of the Light 2023" trade show, securing a prestigious award for its exceptional design. This triumph has further propelled Lightbone into the spotlight as it is now nominated for the highly acclaimed "Design S - Swedish Design Awards".
Anything else you would like to share?
“A little bit of who we are could be good!
I will start with Markus, whom is the co-founder and Art Director of Oblure. His interest in design was awaken at an early age, growing up in his great grandfather’s furniture factory Albin i Hyssna (just outside of Gothenburg), a well-respected company run by the family for generations.
Markus holds a Master’s degree in Design from the Academy of Art and Design in Gothenburg and has exhibited as a Young Designer in Milano for couple of years in a row, and also in Paris, London, New York and Stockholm. Markus started his own design studio in 2011 and has worked with a wide range of different brands, such as Le-Klint, Karl Andersson & Söner, Mogg, Garden Glory, Tekhne, Hans K and Albin i Hyssna.
His designs include chairs, tables, interior and exterior accessories, and of course lighting fixture, being the most successful ones the lighting family Carronade for the Danish company Le-Klint, and the ZigZag chair for the Swedish furniture company Hans K.
Being a true lover of form, design and technological innovation, Markus strives to find inspiration from a variety of environments, stretching from the human to the artefact, through analyses and processes. His vision is to combine construction, function and form to enrich the everyday experience. A chair designed by Markus can even be found at the Museum of Art and Design in New York!
Well you know a little bit of me, ha ha. So I´m the CEO of Oblure and co-owner together with Markus. My name is Deniz, and I have had a lifelong fascination withing lighting, form, and function. Growing up in an entrepreneurial family in the restaurant business, I ran my own business for many years before my passion for lighting led me to switch career paths, which also the family path was temporary in my life goals.
I pursued studies in electrical engineering, lighting technology and design, which provided me with a strong foundation in the field. Building on my knowledge, I worked as a consultant, specializing in both interior and exterior lighting projects for prestigious lighting design company Light Bureau.
Throughout my journey, I have developed a keen eye for details and problem-solving skills, which have proven invaluable in my work. Alongside my technical expertise, I possess strong social and business skills that allow me to effectively engage with clients and stakeholders.
Before becoming a co-owner of Oblure, I served as a sales representative for the mid- and west side region at the renowned Italian lighting company iGuzzini Illuminazione in Sweden. This experience further broadened my understanding of the lighting industry and deepened my knowledge of high-quality lighting solutions.
Additionally, I hold a position of trust as the Chairman of the Board for the Swedish West Coast Lighting Society, a part of The Swedish Lighting Society. In this role, I am actively involved in organizing events and seminars for the lighting community. Our society also contribute for the esteemed annual event "Swedish Lighting Design Award," which recognizes and celebrates outstanding achievements in lighting design.
My diverse background and passion for lighting drive my commitment to excellence in every aspect of my work. I am dedicated to pushing boundaries, creating innovative designs, and making a lasting impact in the lighting industry.
Well this is a little about us. Thank you very much for your keen interest in the work of Oblure, and us as young guys trying to pursue our visions. Thank you Rebecca.”
Thank you for embarking on this illuminating journey with us in part two of our article series on Oblure.
By delving into the passion and dedication that drives Oblure, we have unveiled a world of creativity and innovation that is destined to shape the future of lighting design. We hope that through this series, you have gained valuable insights and a renewed appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into each Oblure piece.
