After meeting Todd Merrill in 2017, Dominick Leuci proposed the concept of a cohesive collection of LED sculptures derived from nature but incorporating modern design techniques and innovative materials. After a year of development, Todd Merrill Studio is introducing the Leuci’s Eques’ Series, the first work of its kind to incorporate air inflated metal forms with LED lighting. Leuci works materials with a sense of alchemy to transform their essence into something new. Dominick Leuci launched his studio, Dleuci, in 2016 to forge new ideas within the design arts, keeping a focused lens on expressing romanticism in a contemporary way.
The Eques Series is inspired by the mystical appearance of the Sea Dragon (Phycodurus Eques). Sea Dragons appear to be flora, keeping them indistinguishable from seaweed. Their graceful wing-like bodies provide an illusion of a creature in flight or dance, despite being rigid in nature. With a captivating and elegant form, they have both the appearance of a mythical dragon and an ethereal sprite.
Artist Dominick Leuci customizes each of his Eques Series sculptural chandeliers and sconces to the client’s specifications. Working with custom made air blown plumes of stainless steel and LEDs, each sculptural element is set in place to convey a sense of movement. The plumes reflect light from the body, as well as the surrounding environment, adding another layer of mystery and surprise. The structural body of the sculpture can be customized in size and form, with LEDs integrated in to emphasize the design. The size, placement and temperature of the LEDs can also be customized. Each air blown plume is individually placed and available in a variety of sizes, and finishes including mirror polished stainless steel, 24ct plated gold, or in vibrant jewel tones through a process of gel coating and lacquer. As a lightweight and high strength material, each air pumped plume combines the elegance of blown glass, the limitless shaping and size capabilities of soft inflatables, and the permanence and durability of metal. Appearing to defy gravity, ‘Eques’ has a buoyant sense of being suspended in water or gliding through air.
Art Nouveau, Romanticism and Modernism are all touch points for artist Dominick Leuci in creating the fresh visual lexicon of what he refers to as ‘Romodernism’. Individualism and sublime nature capture the Romantic era; curvilinear flora designs convey the period of Art Nouveau, and when combined with the non-traditional approach of the Modernist movement, Leuci’s work becomes unlinked to any specific period of design. It hovers and floats freely into the future.
‘Producing a mystery’ describes the creative intent behind works that bring an abstract moment into clear form. Balancing the mechanical and organic processes behind creating, Leuci’s designs hover between the natural and man-made.
Having an extensive background in fashion and home design, Dominick incorporates his vision for art and design to create his works. Through his unique imaginary lens, and with an eye always drawn to the Cosmos, Leuci has a gravitational pull to the wonders of our material world and the mysteries of our universe.
