Thomas Cooper Studio Debuts “The Sagas”
Woven Sculpture Triptych Embodies the Tapestry of Human Story
| Los Angeles, CA - December 3, 2024 | Thomas Cooper Studio, the bespoke East Los Angeles-based lighting brand led by Jason Kai Cooper and Sally Thomas Cooper, introduces The Sagas, a captivating, limited-edition sculpture series that explores human storytelling and ancestral connection. As part of the studio’s Thomas Cooper Projects line, Sagas is a dynamic triptych of woven art pieces celebrating the power of narrative and the enduring legacy of the past.
Inspired by ancient Viking mythology, The Sagas series (“Signy”/Queen; “Sigmund”/King; “Sinfjotl”/Prince) pays homage to the often-overlooked role of women in shaping history. The central figure, Signy, from the Norse Völsunga saga, symbolizes the hidden strength and resilience of women throughout time. Elevated above her brother and son in the triptych, Signy embodies the ultimate queen archetype, a powerful symbol of the influence and agency women have wielded throughout history.
“Sagas is a deeply personal project for us,” says Sally Thomas Cooper. “We wanted to create something that not only celebrates the beauty of storytelling, but also inspires reflection on our own place in the world.”
Drawing inspiration from Viking burial rites, Jason's initial sketches provided a foundation for The Sagas’ ancestral theme. The selection of materials—wool for grounding, silk for elevation, and hand-worked bronze and brass for heritage—adds layers of symbolic significance. The hand-formed brass frame, featuring perforations and embroidered symbols of protection and fertility, completes each piece, while the materials as a whole represent the enduring strength of human spirit.
Sally's skilled hand transforms thread into art, weaving a rich tapestry of texture and warmth. The very act of creation, a metaphor for the passage of time, invites us to contemplate our own stories and the legacies we leave behind. By blending traditional weaving techniques with contemporary design, The Sagas invites viewers to explore the intricate threads that connect us to our ancestors and to recognize the profound impact of women's stories on the human experience.
“The echoes of the past offer timeless wisdom,” says Jason Kai Cooper. “As we journey forward, we hope to create lasting works of art that will resonate with generations to come.”
The Sagas exemplify the precision, craft, and thoughtful intention which defines Thomas Cooper Studio’s Projects line. The triptych is made-to-order, with customization and singular pieces available upon request.
About Thomas Cooper Studio
Creative partners Sally Thomas Cooper and Jason Kai Cooper, long known for fresh, modern lighting for home and hospitality through their ventures Luxe and Lusive, founded Thomas Cooper Studio to explore the material and sculptural essence of lighting.
The Thomas Cooper Studio collection represents a multilayered, multifaceted collaboration between Jason and Sally. Materials and techniques join forces in a search for the inner poetry of each piece: heat-formed, mouth-blown, flash-cracked glass; carved marble, alabaster, and natural stone; cast and hand-patinaed bronze; hand-polished, leaded crystal. At the same time, a study of sculptural expression creates a balance between shine and shade, density and delicacy, form and function.
Sally Thomas Cooper studied art history, music, and design in her native New Zealand and has worked as an interior designer, production designer, and marketing director for interior products. Jason Kai Cooper studied scenic and lighting design and has worked as a lighting, theatrical, and product designer. The couple have worked together since 1999 and hold Thomas Cooper Studio as the culmination of their shared design passions.
Models in the collection are individually hand-crafted by the skilled artisans in-studio. Custom versions tailored to a specific setting are available by commission.