Memory Light

A Light That Never Goes Out

Loss is never easy. No words can truly capture the absence, and yet, it’s often the small things—memories, tokens, a gentle reminder—that keep a loved one’s presence alive in our hearts.

I learned this lesson from someone who forever changed my understanding of art and life. He was my mentor in lighting design, a brilliant artist who taught me how to shape light and bring warmth into a room. For a time, I worked as his apprentice, absorbing his craft and his quiet wisdom. On my birthday one year, he gave me a simple yet special gift: a small light with a flicker bulb and no switch, perpetually glowing.

I never imagined how much that gift would come to mean. A few years later, he took his own life. In the wake of his passing, I struggled to make sense of it. The light he gave me became a poignant reminder: of his artistry, of his struggles, and of the countless artists who wrestle with their own highs and lows. It led me to pursue a master’s in psychology, fueled by the desire to support creative minds during their toughest moments.

As a way to honor his memory—and to create something that might bring comfort to others—I designed a memorial light inspired by that original gift. This light, too, has no on/off switch. It’s made to be always on, its soft flicker gently illuminating a space, standing for the undying impact of a person’s life on our own. At the base, you’ll find a small compartment. Here, you can place a personal note, a photograph, or a treasured keepsake—anything that connects you to someone you’ve lost, or someone you miss.

The bulb is low-wattage, consuming minimal energy, so it can glow quietly day and night. In this way, it becomes a subtle but persistent presence—a whisper that the love you’ve shared doesn’t disappear. It continues to glow, gently, steadfastly, like the cherished memory of those who shaped your life.

8.5 inches tall with bulb. 5.5 inches tall without bulb. 1.5 inches diameter. Made from copper with patina.