Renowned for his exceptional talent in the realm of lighting design, Beau McClellan is more than just an artist and designer – he is a visionary who has transformed the way we perceive and experience light
Designer and artist Beau McClellan has received numerous accolades for his innovative and creative lighting installations and sculptures, which often incorporate elements of technology, art and design. In this exclusive interview, we got an insight into his unusual world and the inspirations that push him on creative journeys.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE A DIVERSE RANGE OF CREATIVE ROLES, INCLUDING SCULPTOR, BLACKSMITH, SET DESIGNER, AND ACTOR?
Throughout my life, I have always been drawn to the world of creativity and artistic expression. I believe that creativity knows no boundaries, and each artistic endeavour provides a unique avenue for self-expression. My passion for exploration and the desire to push my creative boundaries led me to explore these diverse roles. Each one has shaped me as an artist and allowed me to develop a multidimensional perspective that greatly influences my work. I find that drawing inspiration from various art forms and techniques helps me bring a fresh and innovative approach our lighting designs.
HOW DID THESE ROLES INFLUENCE YOUR WORK AS A LIGHTING DESIGNER?
They have had a profound impact on my lighting design approach. As a sculptor, I understand the importance of form and shape, which translates into the way we sculpt with light. Being an artist, I bring a sense of creativity and aesthetics to our lighting designs, ensuring they are not just functional but also visually captivating. My experience as an artist blacksmith has given me a deep understanding of materials and their manipulation, enabling me to select and craft lighting fixtures that perfectly complement our designs. And my background in set design, acting and music has honed my ability to create immersive experiences through the interplay of light, space, and sound allowing us to design lighting that enhances the overall atmosphere of a setting.
YOU WERE ONE OF THE PIONEERS OF LED LIGHTING; WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TODAY?
Being one of the pioneers of LED lighting has been a truly rewarding journey. LED lighting is incredibly important in today’s world for several reasons. Firstly, LED technology offers unparalleled energy efficiency and longevity, making it a sustainable and environmentally conscious choice. LED lighting also provides tremendous flexibility in terms of colour options, intensity control, and dynamic lighting effects, allowing designers like myself to push the boundaries of creativity and create stunning visual experiences. Additionally, LED lighting offers precise control over beam angles and light distribution, enabling us to shape spaces and enhance architectural features with precision. Lastly, LED lighting’s compact size and versatility open up endless possibilities for integration into various design elements, from fixtures to sculptures and even wearable art. Overall, LED lighting has revolutionised the way we think about and approach lighting design, bringing forth new possibilities and pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.
CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS, FROM CONCEPTUALIZING A LIGHTING DESIGN TO ITS REALIZATION?
The journey from conceptualisation to realisation is an exciting and meticulous process. It begins with understanding the client and their vision ,the final result should be a representation of their lifestyle. We then embark on thorough research, gathering inspiration from various sources. Once the concept takes shape in my mind, we delve into sketching, creating mood boards, and developing detailed plans. Collaboration with my amazing team at bybeau studio is vital during this phase, as we work together to refine the design, select the most suitable fixtures and control systems, and ensure that every aspect aligns with the intended concept. Finally, we bring the design to life through installation, testing, and fine-tuning, leaving no detail unattended. The satisfaction of witnessing the transformation from an idea to a realised project is truly rewarding for all of us.
HOW DO YOU BALANCE THE SPACE, FORM, AND CHARACTER IN YOUR LIGHTING DESIGNS? AND WHAT ABOUT THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LIGHT AND DARKNESS?
Balancing space, form, and character in lighting designs, is a delicate dance between light and darkness. We approach this balance by first understanding the unique characteristics and requirements of the space. On a yacht, for example, we would consider the fluidity of the environment, the contours of the architecture, and the specific functions of each area. From there, we carefully assess how light can enhance the form, accentuate architectural features, and create a sense of harmony and balance. We would pay particular attention to the interplay between light and darkness, as darkness is just as important as light in creating depth, drama, and visual interest. By strategically placing light sources, manipulating light intensity, and by carefully developing bespoke lighting fixtures along with the right control systems that would intensify the overall concept, we would aim to create a lighting design that respects the space’s form and character while elevating its visual impact and functionality.
WHEN IT COMES TO SELECTING THE MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGY, WHAT ARE YOUR CRITERIA AND FAVORITE CHOICES?
When selecting materials, our foremost priorities are quality, durability, aesthetics, and sustainability. We understand that our lighting designs must not only serve their functional purpose but also enhance the overall visual appeal of a space. Thus, we seek materials that align harmoniously with the design concept, exuding elegance and sophistication.
Also building strong relationships with our suppliers and craftsmen is of paramount importance to us. We recognise the value of collaboration and the insights that our partners bring to the table. Some of these relationships have endured for many years, as we have grown together, understanding each other’s visions and capabilities. By fostering these connections, we ensure the smooth execution of our designs and the delivery of impeccable craftsmanship.
As a firm believer in the potential of LED lighting, we consistently turn to this technology for our projects. While we hold LED lighting in high regard, we remain vigilant about emerging lighting technologies. We keep a close eye on advancements within the industry, always seeking to expand our knowledge and explore innovative materials. By staying at the forefront of design and technology, we push the boundaries of what is possible, continuously striving to enhance the visual impact and sustainability of our lighting designs.
CAN YOU HIGHLIGHT A FEW PROJECTS THAT WERE SIGNIFICANT FOR YOUR WORK?
Dusk holds a special place in our hearts as one of our most innovative creations. We were determined to push the boundaries of technology and redefine what a crystal chandelier could be. While we have always adored the beauty of crystals, we were not fond of the visible point source of light typically required to illuminate them from the ceiling. So, we embarked on a journey to seamlessly integrate the light within the crystal fixture itself.
This endeavour presented us with a unique challenge – we had to develop a tiny LED with enough power to illuminate the delicate crystal tips of this fixture. In addition, we had to create a system that could miniaturise the entire setup. At the time of designing dusk, the technology we needed was not readily available to us. The waiting game became unbearable, and that’s when we decided to take matters into our own hands.
Driven by our passion and determination, we embarked on the path of developing our own LED technology specifically tailored for this exquisite fixture. It was a labor of love, pouring countless hours into research, experimentation, and meticulous craftsmanship. We wanted to ensure that every aspect of dusk was perfect, from its mesmerising glow to the intricate details of the crystal arrangement.
Creating Dusk was not just about selling a product, but about pushing the boundaries of what was possible. It was about infusing our passion for design and technology into a masterpiece that would captivate hearts and elevate spaces. This personal journey allowed us to explore uncharted territories, to challenge conventional norms, and to bring our vision to life.
Today, Dusk stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to innovation and craftsmanship. It represents the culmination of our efforts to seamlessly blend technology and aesthetics, to create something truly extraordinary. We are proud of the journey we undertook, and we are excited to share the magic of dusk with the world, knowing that it is a reflection of our unwavering dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence.
One other standout project is the creation of a colossal art piece called ‘Reflective Flow’. During that time, LEDs were not as advanced as they are now, and colour mixing was limited to a harsh palette of red, green, and blue. To achieve a softer and more pastel range of colors, we incorporated 2,300 hand-ground optical crystals alongside 55,000 colour-changing LEDs. This magnificent installation stretched an astounding 38.5 meters in length and weighed an incredible 19,900 kilograms, almost 20 tons. It was an exciting venture to develop this groundbreaking technology.
Inspired by the world of rock ‘n’ roll, we had a strong desire to collaborate with companies that shared a similar passion. After touring with a band, it was truly eye-opening to witness the incredible resilience of lighting systems despite the varying conditions they faced from concert to concert. It amazed us to see how these lights, which were often subjected to rough handling, always managed to perform flawlessly when a major artist took the stage.
This motivated us to embark on a mission to develop a technology that could be almost maintenance-free while giving us a huge amount of control. In pursuit of this goal, we teamed up with our trusted partners, Saco Technologies in Montreal. You may be familiar with their recent remarkable achievement – the construction of the MSG Sphere in Las Vegas. These large-scale projects not only pushed the boundaries of lighting technology but also allowed us to explore new possibilities and innovate in the field.
We are proud to have been part of these incredible endeavours, and they continue to inspire us in our ongoing creative journey within the lighting industry.
One of the other amazing lighting projects we were involved with was the creation of the catwalk for Pronovias fashion show in Barcelona. This remarkable project incorporated 1500 hand-blown glass spheres. Each glass sphere consisted of an inner glass sphere with frosting and an outer glass sphere with a mirror coating, the same coating we had specifically developed for ‘reflective flow’.
When the lights were off, the glass spheres presented a stunning full mirror effect. However, when we introduced light into the inner sphere, it would transform into a transparent or semi-transparent state. The resulting effect was truly beautiful and captivating.
But where the magic truly began was when we added control to each of the individual spheres. We strategically placed sensors on the catwalk, enabling us to track the movement of the models. As the models passed each other in different directions, their movements would interact with the chandelier, causing the colours of the trailing glass spheres to blend seamlessly. This interactive display added an extra layer of enchantment to the overall experience.
Presenting this mesmerising spectacle to a live audience allowed us to gain valuable insights into what worked and what didn’t. It became a pivotal moment that led to the birth of our best-selling product, Dimple. Dimple has now become a recognised icon in the design world, taking center stage not only on the catwalk but also in some of the most luxurious homes around the globe.
WHAT IS YOUR LATEST LIGHTING COLLECTION?
Our latest lighting collection is XYZ collection is a minimalist modular lighting range designed with the notion of space and the traditional three-dimensional axis drawing tool. It combines beautiful silhouette lighting with a focus on engineering, composition, balance, and user experience. The design achieves a mesmerising result by balancing minimalism with complex engineering.
Using carbon fiber, it achieves a lightweight design, weighing under 4kg. (For the standard fixture ) It features three independent axes (X, Y, Z) that can be manually rotated to direct the light. A dynamic tuneable white LED offers a range of tones from 1800k to 2700k, providing customisation options.
The XYZ collection is based on the traditional three-dimensional axis, with the X, Y, and Z axes passing through each other. This modular design allows for versatile use in different environments, with a complete lighting range using the same standard components. It can be controlled individually via DMX, either with our control system or compatible systems like Lutron or crestron.
The XYZ collection offers endless control and adaptability, making it a versatile and innovative lighting solution.
WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM BYBEAU STUDIO IN TERMS OF FUTURE COLLECTIONS AND PROJECTS?
I’m delighted to share some exciting news with you! Following our incredibly successful Monaco Yacht Show, we have been hard at work, exploring ways to elevate our existing product ranges and ensure they are perfect for the open seas. One such product that weI believe will truly enhance your wine experience is our remarkable creation called Vine.
Vine is not your ordinary wine rack. It is a Digital Wine Rack that has been meticulously designed to combine functionality with elegance. Picture this: handcrafted, ground, optical crystal shelves, each uniquely controlled with customisable lighting. This innovative feature allows us to create a mesmerising display that can adapt to your desired ambiance and set the perfect mood for any occasion.
But Vine goes beyond just being visually stunning. It offers a personalised touch through its intuitive touch screen panel. Imagine effortlessly browsing through your collection and discovering the perfect bottle of wine right at your fingertips. With a simple tap, you can access a wealth of information about each bottle – from pairing notes to fascinating details about the vineyard it originates from. It’s like having your very own sommelier guiding you through your selection process.
And that’s not all! Vine is also connected to the internet, ensuring that you stay connected to the ever-changing world of wine. You’ll have access to constantly updated values for each bottle in your collection, ensuring you stay informed and can make informed decisions about your liquid assets.
The beauty of Vine doesn’t end there. This incredible system can also be connected to external triggers like music, movement, and temperature. Just imagine the magic of having your wine rack respond to the rhythm of your favourite tunes or the ambiance of your surroundings. It adds an extra layer of delight and personalisation to your wine journey.
With Vine, we want to offer you an experience that is as unique as your taste in wine. It’s not just a product; it’s a gateway to discovering, savoring, and celebrating the finest wines in a way that truly reflects your personality and style.
AT THE END, YOU HAVE MANY HIGH-END CLIENTS; HAS ANY ONE OF THEM INVITED YOU TO DECORATE THEIR YACHT?
You know, it’s true that our team has been incredibly busy lately, catering to our esteemed high-end clients. As a small team, we value the importance of maintaining a personal touch and direct connection with each client we work with. This means we can only take on a limited amount of work to ensure we give our best to every project.
However, the opportunity to dive into the captivating world of yachting has truly ignited something special within us. We genuinely believe that we have something unique and contemporary to offer to this industry. Recently, I was offered the role of associate creative director for some exquisite limo tenders being developed by ArgoNavis. This collaboration allows us to bring our extensive knowledge of lighting on board these exclusive limo tenders, aiming to create an unforgettable experience as you voyage from your super yacht to the shore.
Being part of this project is a true honour for us. Working alongside the founders Dusan Antic, Milan Kalajzic plus their talented creative designer Ivo Martinovic and his in-house designers. while witnessing ArgoNavis’ dedication to crafting every aspect of these limos in their own installations has been an incredible learning experience. It has given us an insightful crash course into the world of yachts, and we genuinely hope that this collaboration paves the way for more exciting projects in the future.
We are genuinely passionate about what we do, and the opportunity to contribute our expertise to the yachting industry is a dream come true. Our focus is not just on selling a product or service but on creating exceptional experiences that leave a lasting impression. We look forward to the journey ahead and the possibility of working together to bring innovation and a touch of magic to your yachting adventures.
Text Ivana Nedoklan
Photos ByBeau