Donovan Design

2011-12-21T17:02:00.007-05:00

The Geometric Deco Table Lamp, 1991.
Our original and iconic to our collection.

Featured in The Whitney Museum, NYC and The Art Institute of Chicago. The hand painted cubist pattern glows like a textural stained glass. 23" tall x 14" wide. Antique Metallic Fringe. Ebonized and stained solid maple. Designed and hand made by Art Donovan. Contact: donovandesign(at)optonline.net

2011-11-14T21:40:00.009-05:00

New clocks, designed and hand made by Art Donovan. (1) Solid Maple Deco Clock. 20" diameter. (2) 'Steampunk Industrial Rust Clock- 31" diameter. (3) Steampunk Desk Clock. 10" diameter. (4) Industrial Clock. 31" diameter. Yes, the hands are also hand made. Available through Vintage+Modern.com

2011-10-23T23:00:00.003-04:00

"Sun+Moon" table lamp. Also available as a floor lamp
Designed and built by Art Donovan.
Email: donovandesign(at)optonline.net

2011-05-02T13:16:00.010-04:00

The definitive art book on the Steampunk genre. "The Art of Steampunk" by exhibition curator/author Art Donovan features eighteen of the most renown Steampunk artists and designers along with authors G.D. Falksen, S.C. Grey and an introduction by Oxford Museum Director, Dr. Jim Bennett.
Read the latest reviews here.
Purchase online from Amazon here.
Visit "The Art of Steampunk"!

2011-04-13T10:53:00.002-04:00

See our latest collection of lamps and lighting on VandM.com

2011-04-03T11:55:00.006-04:00

"Petite Cosmo"

Serving as either a Pendant Lamp -or- with a swagged cord to be used as a Wall Lamp. 8" wide x 8" deep x 12" tall x any desired height. It has a beautiful weathered patina on solid brass and may accommodate any kind of Edison-base bulb. Shown here with a small spotlight bulb.

2011-03-07T13:53:00.003-05:00

The "Sun King".

Our newest wall lamp in brass with a hand made resin lens in front. Designed and hand crafted by Art Donovan. ADA compliant with t 4" projection. 12" in diameter and done in a very limited edition.

2011-01-15T11:52:00.003-05:00

Our Sage Marine Cabin Lamp # 2. Solid Mahogany, Silicon Bronze, Stainless Steel- All with heavy chrome plating. Yes- uses both incandescent and LED bulbs. Designed and handmade by Art Donovan. See our new collection here.

2010-11-12T21:50:00.003-05:00

Donovan Design has a new lighting division...
Sage Marine- Premium Marine Grade Lamps.
This wall lamp is Sage Marine #3 Cabin Lamp.

To see our marine lamps, visit our other site here

2010-10-24T13:39:00.007-04:00

" Fear is Huge"

My most recent painting as seen in Ashawagh Hall Gallery in East Hampton. The theme of this 50 artist exhibition was "Fear". Rather than pursue the obvious themes such as fear of global warming, fear of terrorism, etc. I wanted to create a more personal, vulnerable piece:

"The greatest fear that all artists share is the fear of having their entire life's work end up in obscurity and eventual ruination -or worse yet, show up at a yard sale! This work shows a deeply fractured surface, as if the painting were carelessly left outdoors to eventually rot with the help of nature."

Title: "Fear is Huge"
Materials: acrylic paint, bronze pigment, wood, crows.
Size: 60" x 84"

For Sales Inquiries and Pricing use the Comments Section at the bottom of this post.

2010-03-29T22:52:00.033-04:00

Our new site, "Number 1 of 1" features our collection of one-of a-kind designs such as our new "La Luna" Wall Torchiere. Click the box for the link.

2010-02-16T12:58:00.028-05:00

"Jack Tar" This new wall lamp features really, Really old barn wood in a totally unfinished manner. The glowing alabaster dome is set off by antique brass details. 12" x 12" x 6" deep. Designed, hand made, signed and dated by Art Donovan

Our new "Down's Path" wall torchiere boasts pure rectilinear geometry. Three rectangular lamp shades in stark white spun filament glow from the left, center and right of the solid mahogany lamp body. Entirely hand made and uses a single bulb for efficiency. 29" tall x 9" wide x 4.25" deep. Designed, hand made, signed and dated by Art Donovan.

The Spire 2 Wall Lamp is an updated version of our popular Spire series. Here, the post ( instead of satin nickel) is hand shaped poplar shown in a muted white with a brass finish piece at the top. Topped with ourhand made, proprietary "Moire" polycarbonate lampshade. Bronze taping and antique brass hand stitching completes the design. The height is 34" and the lampshade is 12" wide x 6" deep. Designed, signed and dated by Art Donovan.

After being immersed in the art and design of "Steampunk" for the past three years, it was inevitable that the styling would show up in my lighting design. Pictured here is the Oxford Station Wall Lamp. This is a Severely Limited Edition in hand blown glass and solid brass. The Top and Center images are acid-washed oak and the bottom version is rich, satin mahogany. Signed and dated. Click here to see the Official Blog of our Steampunk Art Exhibition at the Museum of the History of Science, the University of Oxford, UK.

2010-01-23T23:49:00.004-05:00

My Industrial Table Lamp otherwise known as the 'Steampunk Table Lamp' ( along with my Steampunk clock design). Designed and hand made of solid brass in a weathered finish. Signed and Dated.

2010-01-23T23:41:00.011-05:00

The following collection of Steampunk Designs were featured at the world's first exhibition of Steampunk Art + Design held at the Museum of the History of Science, The University of Oxford, UK

Three handmade wall lanterns titled, "Parrish Carriage".

Made of solid mahogany, solid brass and glass .They are all made to order in a very limited edition. Designed, crafted, signed and dated by Art Donovan.

View more of my Steampunk designs at Art Donovan.Vox.Com

2009-08-12T17:49:00.018-04:00

One of my new pieces for the Museum Exhibition: "The Electric Skull" 27" tall, solid brass, lights, glass and acrylic This piece is featured along with my entire collection at The Museum Art Exhibition this fall.

2009-01-26T23:00:00.065-05:00

Shiva Mandala. (video sound "on")
New Steampunk Design by Art Donovan: The Illuminated Astrolabe. 2009. This Mandala alludes to the Steampunk philosophy of the re-imagined past- simultaneously ancient and modern in it's design and configuration.

My most most complex Steampunk work to date with influences of Hinduism, Freemasonry and ancient astronomy. 72" tall x 72" wide. Solid Mahogany, Solid Brass, Glass, Spun-Filament Fiberglass, Plaster, LED + Incandescent Bulbs, Acrylic Resin, Ultra Violet Tubes + Electric Motors.

To read the entire story behind this work, click here.

View my entire Steampunk Collection. Click Here.

Control Box for the mandala-left and right. Independent operations for all of the different electrical units makes for a nice dramatic display when viewing. Thanks to all for taking the time to look. Best Regards, Art. Click Here to read a wonderful review.

2008-03-23T22:25:00.066-04:00

The "Siddhartha Pod" Steampunk Lantern, 52" tall x 30" wide, is entirely hand crafted of solid mahogany, solid copper and brass. Without a doubt, the most labor-intensive lamp I've ever created. It's rare when I post more than a single view of any design, but this lamp warrants a closer inspection of it's many details. Click on any image to enlarge.

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The Following Designs are samples from our collection of hand crafted lighting for residential and commercial applications.

Click here to see our entire collection on Home Portfolio.

2008-03-19T21:51:00.016-04:00

Steampunk Lamp. "Mr. Peanutski". One of a kind, black and gold on solid brass. 13" tall and with a personality that begat it's charming, albeit unlikely, name. The globe of the antique bulb contains a hand- satined tubular bulb with an antique bronze cord. Signed and Dated.
Steampunk Clock. Appealing to the horological inclinations, this unique clock is entirely hand-made weathered brass and features a magnifying lens on the face supported by two, movable brass arms. Signed + dated by Art Donovan.

2008-03-11T15:43:00.006-04:00

VOX Pendant Lamp.
Nominated for "Lighting Design of the Year" by Interior Design Magazine, The Vox has a Bisque White exterior, an Armani Gray interior with a swirling abstract design in raised, matte silver. Entirely hand painted and available in any specified color combination. Shown in 30" diameter x 18" tall- may be rendered in any height. Designed, hand made, signed + dated by Art Donovan.

2008-03-02T10:26:00.008-05:00

Moose Head Wall Lamp. Cast-iron moose mounted on solid mahogany and sporting a hand made lampshade with a bottom diffuser to prevent bulb glare. Approx.14" tall and, we believe, quite charming. Shown in bisque white, ebonized mahogany with a magnificent paisley shade- but may be specified in any colors Designed, signed + dated by Art Donovan

2008-01-18T17:17:00.008-05:00

Three of the most popular wall lamps we've ever designed.
(Top) "Piaf" Shown in polished nickel and available in satin nickel and antique bronze.
(Center) "Royale Palm" Shown in mahogany and satin nickel.
(Bottom) "Tuxedo Hampton" Shown in mahogany with an amber/honey shade and bronze details. All are able to be specified in many colors and finishes.

2007-12-26T23:02:00.006-05:00

One of our clients was gracious enough to send us some images of our Poet Wall Lamps that they had installed for their bath renovation. Shown here in high polished nickel and also available in satin nickel, bronze and brass finishes.

2007-12-11T16:02:00.000-05:00

ILLUMINATED PAINTINGS This piece was created for a private client and measures 60" x 30". The image and pallete of colors were rendered to perfectly compliment the clients' exsisting colors and decorative details. The proprietary transparent paints used here have a stunning luminosity when back-lit by the special color corrected bulbs- (The true sublety of the colors must be seen in person to be appreciated.) Installation is as easy a mounting a wall lamp. Virtually any graphic or image may be rendered. Hand Made, Signed and Painted by Art Donovan.

2007-11-14T20:47:00.012-05:00

KATONAH STABLES PENDANT LAMP. Solid mahogany, "Starfire" tempered glass, solid steel plated in satin nickel. Three, tapered pyramid shades (hand painted here in rich amber) with four corner downlights. All lamps operate independently with dimmers. Enormously flexible lighting for dining locations and dramatic in it's details and materials. Shown here 30'"long x 24" wide but may be specified in any desired size.

The design, size, finishes and light configurations may also be custom specified

2007-10-23T11:05:00.006-04:00

This is from a recent series of abstract paintings that I've done. The top painting, "Blue, White + Gold is 72" x 96" x 4".The bottom painting, "Black, White +Gold" is 60" x 84" x 4". Acrylic, plaster and bronze powder on wood. This Spring, I'll be premiering the entire collection at the Hamptons Antique Galleries in Bridgehampton, New York.

2007-10-18T09:24:00.001-04:00

Deco Table Lamps. I admit it. I have a real soft spot for these lamps. These were the first lamps I designed in 1991 -when this photo appeared in New York Magazines' "Best Bets". The lamps were actually the first three prototypes that I made. (These designs were later picked up by the Whitney Museum, the Art Institute of Chicago and private collectors in NYC and Tokyo.)

Solid maple bases, hand painted, spun filament lamp shades and, one of my favorite parts, antique metallic fringe. (The lamp shown in the rear has no fringe but instead has a solid "gallery"). The fringe version is called the "Honolulu Deco"

Of course, we still make the Deco lamps and have many variations such as floor lamps, and chandeliers.

2007-09-18T16:52:00.003-04:00

STUDIO TABLE LAMP with Bronze Mesh Shade. The lamp base is ebonized,solid maple- rendered front and rear with perfectly smooth convex surfaces. A matte black rotary dimmer is located in the center of the lampbase. The mesh shade is hand-sewn bronze and casts a shimmering light from the long, incandescent bulb. Shown here in an all matte black finish. The base is also available in any color or finish to order. Designed, hand made, signed and dated by Art.

2007-09-10T21:47:00.001-04:00

"PATENT PENDANT" LAMP. Designed by Leslie Tarbell Donovan.

Leslie's extensive couture background on Madison Ave is always evident in her work:
Worldly, genuinely sophisticated- and with an edge.

Here, a beautifully proportioned Pendant Lamp rendered in Black Patent Leather. The interior of the lamp is a black and pure white Harlequin pattern with a hand-painted silver outline. Modern, Polished Nickel details located at the top of the lamp. Shown here as a 13" diameter drum shade x 9.25" tall and available in virtually any size. Uses up to 100 watts or more- But use a dimmer for great flexibility and energy conservation.

2007-08-29T22:14:00.002-04:00

Tuxedo 'Moderne' Table Lamp. Shown here, the Tuxedo Moderne has a solid maple trumpet post in an Iridescent Honey Maple finish, Satin Nickel details and two, handmade Spire Shades with silver hand stitching. Also, it's beautifully reconfigured as a Wall Lamp. Thanks for looking and Happy Labor Day to All. Art

2007-08-01T12:01:00.001-04:00

Five Light Chandelier 42" wide x 42" long x 48" overall height. Five hand made and hand painted lampshades bring a beautifully diffused glow to any large room. Uses up to 5-100 watt bulbs if you really need a huge amount of illumination. The lampshades have gently tapered sides in "Winter White" with a gallery of rich "Golden Oak". The Ceiling Medallion is solid maple with bronze details. Antique gold, metallic hand-stitching completes the design. Of course, you can specify any color combination or height desired. Designed, hand made, signed + dated by Art Donovan

2007-07-01T11:14:00.006-04:00

LOTUS Pendant Lamp. The Lotus is a "double-shaded" lamp. That is, the exterior shade is made from our proprietary, three-dimensional moire fabric (shown here in steel black + available in pure white) while the interior shade is a transluscent white, hand painted in any specified color ( shown here in Deep Cherry). The final effect is gently swirling, kinetic colors which shift and undulate as you move around the lamp. The stylized "Lotus" design is complimented by a hand carved, mahogany medallion and the lamp has a white diffuser on the bottom side. Shown: 30" x 30" x 10" tall and may be hung at any desired height. May be lamped up to 400 watts. Available in any finish, color combination and size. Designed, individually hand made, signed + dated by Art Donovan.

2007-05-04T18:56:00.005-04:00

This design represents a new catagory that we call Table Pendant Lamps. This is the "Air+Stream" Table Pendant. It stands 40" tall and the lampshade height is fully adjustable by a well balanced pin at the top of the post. Entirely Hand Made of Polished Steel and Cedar with a full range dimmer switch on the base. About the dimmer: Yes- it's a turtle (a polished silver casting). Turtles are lucky. Very lucky. I know, it's 2007 and we're still ascribing magical powers to inanimate objects. Defys all rationality, No? Well, I said that I'd describe it- not explain it. Perhaps turtles can't actually create good luck but I'm damn sure that they can sway coincidences in your favor. See the "Air+Stream" at the Hamptons Antique Galleries (This piece is Signed and Dated in a very limited edition.)

2007-04-25T14:59:00.005-04:00

CUBE Pendant lamp.( Mrs. Ippi). The Original. The first cube lamp ever exhibited at the ICFF, NYC. Signed + Dated: 1993. I suppose that our Cube Lamps started a bit of a trend here. Since it's geometry was so simple, our first introduction of the Cube was created with a unique moire outer shade and an interior, hand-painted liner shade (shown here in deep indigo). The pendant is suspended by a triad post and hangs at any height desired. Our Cube Lamps can be made to order in sizes up to 24" square. The lamp can project a massive amount of ambient illumination, if needed, creating a brilliant wash of light on the ceiling, a beautiful downlight and perfectly diffused illumination on the sides. Any color shade is available- from pure white to deep charcoal/black.

2007-03-23T16:45:00.003-04:00

...And speaking of the Hamptons Antique Galleries (see post below) here is our Conservatory Lamp complete with a handmade, miniature illuminated lantern and fresh, green moss. All glass and steel and perfectly charming -day or night. Featured on the top is a pair of our "Green Hornet" table lamps as seen at the gallery. The base is illuminated and the hand made lampshade is a "black on black" hand-painted design.

2007-03-19T11:13:00.004-04:00

"Kimono" Floor Lamp. 63" tall. Three, handmade Cube Shades with an irridescent copper/bronze surface and a warm honey glow. (This is a new lampshade color that we've just introduced called," Nevada Copper".) The base is satin nickel and solid mahogany- finished in a deep java brown and hand-swirled bronze enamel. Uses (3) 100 watt bulbs- if you need it bright- but some like to use Compact Flourescent Bulbs. I prefer to provide a dimmer switch instead of CFL's.

2007-03-16T16:46:00.002-04:00

"SUN RA" ELECTRIC CANDELABRA Hand Carved mahogany in a bone white enamel and seven virtual electric candles. 36" tall x 24" wide x 6" deep and also available in rich mahogany and jet black. Designed, Hand Made, signed and dated by Art Donovan.

2007-01-26T17:04:00.001-05:00

DUNE WALL LAMP. When I re-photograph an older design of mine, I sometimes develop a new appreciation for it. This design here is 4 years old and I just reshot it today. (My old, original photo of this lamp on our main website was unforgivably poor). Anyway, the finish is a hand-applied "Slate" on solid maple. The lampshade is not simply mounted to the surface, but instead it cleanly projects out of the lamp body itself. The entire configuration, size + finish can be custom specified. Shown: 24" tall x 7" wide x 5" deep. It can also an be made ADA if desired. 75 watts inside.

Bright, minimalist and evocative in it's glow.

2006-11-20T15:06:00.001-05:00

MARCANTEL PENDANT LAMP. Shown here in high polished nickel with a beautifully transluscent interior lamp shade. 18" in diameter and also available as a Table Lamp and Floor Lamp. Bottom diffuser is rendered in nickel or translucent white. Uses (2) 60 watt bulbs and may be specified to hang at any desired height. Perfectly modern.

2006-09-27T14:25:00.006-04:00

Venus Table Lamp Shown here in solid, hand carved mahogany with a matte black finish and a black moire lampshade. Brass details with a "touch sensitive" dimmer switch at the top of the "lips". (Some people "get it" right away. If you do too, let us know.) Thanks!. 32" tall x 18" diameter. Uses a 100 watt bulb. Signed + Dated by Art Donovan

2006-09-02T15:23:00.001-04:00

Illuminated Mandala- Pendant Lamp
This Mandala illustrates the graphic and esoteric symbols of many global spiritual beliefs. It is 36" in diameter x 4" deep and entirely hand painted in 12 layers of opaque black and translucent honey. Suspended by bronze cords from a cruciform medallion with all solid maple components. ( 500 watt interior illumination) Designed, Signed & Dated by Art Donovan

2006-07-25T19:05:00.000-04:00

Multi Light Chandelier 250 subminiature lights cascade down from the medallion to a 1" x 20" diameter disk which houses 9, crystal star lights on the bottom. Separate dimmer switches for both make it uncannily flexible. It was created for our gallery opening party as a spur of the moment thing. I figured that the Hor Doerves would look nice under it. I never planned on keeping it, but it's so damned magical, I can't bear to take it down. Simple appearances to the contrary, it's a monster to wire up, but it's PURE CHARM when illuminated. Please don't ask me to make another.

2006-05-18T12:14:00.000-04:00

Antique Barn Wood Table Tops with Brilliant Gold Veining.

Heavily Weathered Barnwood table tops, very deeply grooved with flashes of Brilliant Gold Veining- So natural as to look as if the veins of gold were actually trapped inside the wood as it grew.

The combination of completely opposite but complementary materials and textures makes this surface like no other. The table tops are ordered by the square foot in any desired size and may be mounted on stone or ceramic planters, cast iron bases or wood legs. This then gives you the option of the height, length and width of the table, so that it works perfectly in any area or application. The table tops are 1.5" thick with a simple antique wood frame on all sides.

2006-04-27T15:56:00.001-04:00

"T"-House Pendant Dramatic and completely unique in style. Entirely hand carved from solid mahogany with 3 hand made shades and details.

It features 4 corner spot lights plus three rectangular center shades that create a beautiful, ambient wash of light both downward and on the ceiling. The bronze sail at the bottom is mood optional. Custom configurations are most welcome.

All bulbs may be operated separately or in unison from discreetly mounted dimmer switches. Magnificent when over a large dining table.

2006-04-27T15:38:00.001-04:00

"Black Fire Opal" Pendant Lamp

Swirling, kinetic spectral colors that we believe are the closest visual duplication to the light of an actual gemstone, the black fire opal.

The effect is achieved by layering three different 'state of the art' materials- assembled in a very unique manner. As you move around the lamp, the spectrum of colors in the surface actually shift & undulate in three dimensions. The "Fire Opal" effect must be seen in person to be fully appreciated. Available in any size or shape!

2006-04-27T15:31:00.001-04:00

"Sufi Sconce"

Entirely Hand Carved Solid Mahogany with a hand painted "feather" shade in Honey and Warm Gray
with a Black and Gold hand painted decorative trim.

Enormous charm and totally unique in attitude and configuration.

The "Sufi" uses a 75 watt tubular bulb for perfectly even illumination and is wonderous when used with a dimmer swith.

2006-04-27T15:24:00.003-04:00

CUBANO Pendant Lamp. Hung as a swag lamp and works beautifully in any location.
Solid maple in matte 'java finish'. Bronzed details with a decorative, perforated bronze screen, pure white diffuser on the bottom and an antique bronze woven fabric cord. May be specified in any diameter.

2006-04-27T15:17:00.001-04:00

"Ram Dass" Illuminated Outdoor Mandala.

Perfect for Outdoor Entrance, Garden or Pool House. A miraculous glow featuring a unique hand carved 'Fleur De Lis' design complimented by a handpainted face with a bronze mesh overlay. The sides of the pendant glow in a deep, rich, transluscent honey color.

Shown here as 24" in diameter x 4" deep and overall height is 48" tall in this particular application. May be commissioned up to 48" wide by any desired height. It is hung by two verticle bronze rods (3/8" thick each) with a decorative, asian styled, horizontal cross beam at the top (made of steel reinforced oak)

Entirely hand made, signed + dated by Art Donovan.