This is not only a gorgeous color-rich light pole, it is a one-of-a-kind artistic creation crafted by Albuquerque's Ferydoun ("Fred") Mahinfarahm of Blackwall Gallery. The piece--and the artist's personal story--are riveting. 

So much care went into this creation--it is obvious from the moment you look at this amazingfly beautiful piece. Hanging in any living room, den, or office, this light will create an ambience of beauty, draw compliments from guests, and generate conversation.

The artist came from a family of Russian refugees who arrived in Tehran, Iran following the Russian Revolution.  At the age of five, he began woodworking with his father and became a master woodworker in Tehran where he and his father operated a family business.  Following the revolution in Iran, he immigrated to the U.S. and settled in Albuquerque, where he has been since 1988.

The artist became interested in working with bamboo a few years ago.  The idea evolved from his childhood memories of watching a bamboo craftsman in the apartment building where he lived with his family.  Fred began making planters, and then started creating light poles and sculptures.

Those who have a Blackwall Gallery light pole often use it to aesthetically light the corner of a room; others hang theirs in the middle of a room where the pole serves as a centerpiece; and some appreciate how the poles enhance the meditative experience. The light poles can easily be moved around a home, an office, a lobby.  They have been used on patios and in other outdoor areas where they gently light the surrounding foliage.

"Purpleish" is 4 feet tall by 6 inches in diameter.  The bamboo piece has laquer paint (purple, green and black), a remote control "on/off switch", 7 watt light bulbs, and a metal brace from which the light pole hangs.

Fred's unique and intriguing creations can be seen at his Blackwall Gallery.  Visit his website for photos of his work.