While the concentrated, unforgiving light of a spotlight compels us to take center stage and command attention, the soft, diffused glow of a shaded lamp invites us to decompress, exhale, and settle comfortably into our surroundings. Through his striking new lighting collections, titled Touch and Strut, Coil + Drift founder John Sorensen-Jolink explores the profound ways in which different qualities of illumination can dramatically affect both the architecture of a room and the emotional states of its inhabitants. Presented together under the overarching title Lookout, a compelling new exhibition currently on view at Colony in New York City, the body of work contrasts intentional, theatrical illumination with gentle, atmospheric warmth.
As a contemporary dancer turned designer, Sorensen-Jolink possesses a deeply ingrained, physical understanding of the significance of light. Whether it is being used to guide focus across a stage, capture the fleeting lines of human movement, or establish a calming domestic ambiance, lighting fundamentally shifts how people experience and navigate a physical space. He explores this complex relationship in both Touch and Strut, working closely with a specialized team of in-house artisans to translate his sophisticated background in choreography, movement, and spatial awareness into tangible, sculptural lighting objects.
Theatrical Roots and the Evolution of ‘Touch’
Touch reimagines the classic theatrical spotlight as a refined domestic object, drawing direct inspiration from Sorensen-Jolink’s early, formative encounters with stage lighting. Growing up in a home that had been meticulously renovated by a theater worker, he was surrounded by dimly lit interiors where recessed fixtures and track lighting cast concentrated, intentional pools of illumination. Though he was initially resistant to this dominant and somewhat impersonal light source during his youth, Sorensen-Jolink eventually found himself returning to the concept of the spotlight, adopting a hands-on, artisan approach in his design work for Touch.
Constructed primarily from durable metals such as brass and steel, the pieces within the Touch collection feature adjustable, cylindrical shades and slender stems. These mechanical components allow users to easily pivot and direct the beams of light, while warm wooden accents are integrated throughout to emphasize tactility and soften the industrial edge of the metal. Rather than remaining static or fixed in place, Touch allows light to shift dynamically in response to the layout and energy of a room, striking a careful balance between mechanical precision and the intimate, organic warmth of human interaction.
Sorensen-Jolink distills the psychological impact of this lighting design philosophy quite simply: “When you’re in a pool of light, you’re on, you’re performing,” he explains. “When you step out, you can sort of disappear.” This duality of performance and sanctuary forms the emotional backbone of the collection, offering residents the power to curate their immediate environment according to their social or private needs.
Quiet Utility and the Inspirations Behind ‘Strut’
While the Touch collection fosters intense focus and active engagement, Strut introduces a completely contrasting quiet ambiance that is intentionally designed to support the natural, everyday rhythms of a modern home. Inspired by the exposed wooden frameworks of historical fire lookout towers scattered across the rugged landscapes of the Catskill and Rocky Mountains, the collection translates this rustic, utilitarian architecture into thoughtfully crafted wooden lighting fixtures. These pieces feature subtle metal detailing and an intentional, artistic use of negative space, allowing the structures to feel airy yet grounded.
The fixtures are completed by elongated linen shades, which draw partial inspiration from Sorensen-Jolink’s personal collection of vintage cloth-shaded lamps. Together, these elements emit an enveloping, gentle glow that feels reminiscent of a glowing ember or a quiet campfire on a dark evening.
Balancing Natural Rhythms in the Modern Interior
Together, the two collections embody contrasting yet complementary approaches to illumination, both of which are deeply informed by the changing natural light surrounding Sorensen-Jolink’s studio in the Catskills. Through their distinct forms, thoughtful proportions, and rich materials, Touch and Strut successfully balance focused, directional illumination with softer, ambient light, seamlessly introducing the organic, shifting rhythms of sun and shade into the contemporary domestic interior.
Lookout is on view until Oct. 21 at Colony Gallery in New York City.
