House of Today has partnered with ten Lebanese creatives to launch a sculptural candle collection handcrafted at the Centre Hospitalier Beit Chabeb workshop.
In its first curated collection of exclusive designs, Lebanese non-profit organisation House of Today has partnered with ten local designers to release a series of sculptural candles. Titled The Candle Project, the designs were handcrafted by artisans at the Centre Hospitalier Beit Chabeb which has a dedicated workshop as a creative outlet for its patients in rehabilitation. The initiative, intended to celebrate Lebanon’s design ingenuity while raising awareness of the country’s wealth of talent, will see its proceeds going towards the sustenance of Beit Chabeb and the incredible work it carries out, while also supporting the ten designers and House of Today’s mentorship program which continues to enrich the local creative sector.
Including internationally renowned names such as Aline Asmar d’Amman, Richard Yasmine and Nada Debs, alongside local emerging talents, The Candle Project is the first time any of the designers have worked with wax as a final medium. While presenting a unique creative challenge, this collaborative venture has resulted in ten distinct and imaginative works of art. Drawing on their own artistic practices of architecture, interior design and product design, each designer remained true to their creative identity by combining remarkable forms with stimulating and thought-provoking narratives.
Chrysalis by Carla Baz explores the values of hope and sustainability as she pushes the boundaries of the material in creating a piece that transforms into a vase once the inner wax has melted. I am Here by LimbObject also studies the change in form as the candle burns. With the wax shaped into a series of arms and hands interlocked, the design alludes to a friend’s touch in times of distress which is also referenced in how the candle offers light on darker nights.
With each of the ten designs inspired by deeper narratives, it is beautiful to see the influence that has stemmed from the designer’s local environments. And, in partnering with Beit Chabeb, the positive social impact of the project highlights the benefits found through such collaborations. “When we started the project, it took us around a year to create the molds and bring the designs to life, given the level of detail and finishing required,” comments Mr. Roukoz Moussallem who led the production process within Beit Chabeb. “Our role was to explore numerous dimensions, from the colours to the textures, to achieve such a meticulous outcome following numerous trials.”
The exquisite artistry which has gone into each creation pays tribute to Lebanon’s diverse, creative heritage. And, as the designs reach a wide audience through the network of House of Today, it allows local stories to be translated on a global stage through the captivating medium of wax. While the candles may be temporary, the narratives which underpin these designs will certainly make their mark forever.
The Candle Project launches on November 20th 2023 and can be discovered here.
Images courtesy of Carl Halal, Elie Abi Hanna and House of Today.
