#10 The Momo Tapered Candle Holders
Inspired by the Mediterranean coast, summertime Shabbat dinners, and my grandfather, Saba Momo.
My grandfather, Shlomo—Momo for short, always smelled of orange blossoms and was always making a joke. My entire life, we had a language barrier—he only spoke Hebrew, Turkish, and Ladino, and I only spoke English. Because of this, my sister and I had our own special way of communicating with him. His energy was pleasant, joyful. He made a good life for himself and my safta. And they were so in love. They met in Turkey when they were just teens and ran away to Jerusalem to start their family and a life. They always held hands, always shared a cigarette in the kitchen after lunch, playing cards or sheshbesh with a cup of instant espresso and sesame cookies. After dinner, my saba would always beckon me to a magical cupboard in the front hall filled with a wide array of chocolates and candies. The chocolate always tasted perfectly nougat-y, and always had a hint of a minty flavor because of all of the different candies cohabiting in this storage space. Momo embodied joy and never let go of playfulness. I remember all of the funny faces and games he used to share with us, and I try to carry this lightfilled way of living with me every day.
A few months ago, I came across Monica Immel (also nicknamed Momo) and her eye-catching work. I was immediately transfixed by the organic sculptural pieces she was creating and had an idea to make this piece with her. We teamed up to collaborate on developing a swirly, boldly-colored candle holder that could nest into one another to create playful shapes and swirls. I imagine these candle holders set with beeswax taper candles in the center of a dinner table at a summer gathering, or used with pleasure on Shabbat—two nested together. I chose these colors in particular because they remind me of summer in the Mediterranean—bright red striped umbrellas and speedos, rich blue waters and Turkish eyes of protection, and this fun chartreuse yellow which, to me, represents childhood and the ice cream man who walks up and down the beach in Tel Aviv selling “arctic” or popsicles from the weathered cooler box slung over his shoulder.
These are limited edition and limited batch. Pre-sales open through June 30th. Each piece will be made to order after sales close.
Where did you grow up?
I was born in Texas and raised all over this beautiful planet. While growing up with a more nomadic and ever changing home life had a huge impact on me, most of the credit goes to Baltimore’s art and music scene for my “growth and reformation” in my early 20’s.
Where are you based now?
I am currently based in Baltimore, MD. I have had the honor of calling Baltimore home since 2008.
Why 3D printing? What is your inspiration for this medium?
Using open source technology I hope to someday challenge the traditional points of access to art. Dismantling the notions that luxury is only available to those with money. I believe 3D printing and open source can allow people access to “designer goods and art” without needing to travel, have access to galleries, or art school.
My goal is to use digital files and collaboration with other makers to pollinate sculptures and beautiful objects throughout homes, public spaces, and galleries around the world all at the click of a couple buttons.
What do you hope people experience when they interact with your art?
My pieces often blur the boundaries between sculpture and digital art, creating immersive and memory-provoking experiences for viewers. My pieces often blur the boundaries between sculpture and digital art, creating immersive and memory-provoking experiences for viewers. By combining the organic and the synthetic, I try to encourage viewers to reflect on their relationship with the natural world in an age of rapid technological change.
What is your favorite way to slow down and live a more intentional life?
I really find respite in my design and work. So often I feel the pressure of a deadline or the beckon of an unfinished custom order and really challenge myself to make sure my practice remains mine. This is the space where I get to make the rules and challenge the demands of the productivity demons inside my head. Apart from the studio I am currently try to be more intentional with how I spend my money and free time. Curating experiences that fill me up instead of drain me. Growing up in a way.
Monica Immel is a contemporary artist who specializes in the intersection of 3D printing and sculpture, often incorporating natural forms and digital methods into her work. Immel's artistic career began with her interest in traditional art and design. By combining the organic and the synthetic, her art encourages us to reflect on our relationship with the natural world in an age of rapid technological change. Her works are characterized by intricate details and patterns, inspired by the shapes and textures found in nature challenged by the limitations of human made tools and materials. She is currently based in Baltimore, MD.