Artist's Unique Stained Glass Octopus Chandeliers

May 14, 2020

A man in Portland, Oregon has created unique, stained-glass octopus chandeliers. After first successfully working with stained glass on a wooden box for a Valentine's Day present, artist Mason Parker decided to add many panels together to make these spectacular homages to nature through a household light fixture. 

According to an interview statement given to apost.com by Parker, Mason Parker's creations can be as large as five feet across and weigh approximately 45 pounds. Each octopus takes months to construct and although the head is the most difficult, around 80% of construction time is spent on crafting the arms. Because the lights are installed with three-way switches, the arms and head of the octopus can be lit separately as well as all together. 

Aside from octopuses, Parker creates squid and jellyfish chandeliers as well. According to his statement, Parker was at one point contacted by an interior designer in California to make an octopus in grey and white tones, and he was initially worried that the lack of color would cause the octopus to "look dead.” However, after the design was brought to fruition Parker said he was pleasantly surprised. The octopus found its final home in Ranch Hill, California, and the owners decided to name the octopus 'Oliver.'

When Parker originally moved to Oregon back in 2007, he was making garden sculptures, which weren't very popular in the area. To keep Mason's Creations going, Parker thought:

"Well, some people have yard space but EVERYONE with any money for any art, at a minimum has indoor space that needs lighting."

This is what redirected Parker's creation focus to making stained glass lamps. He was reminded of a piece of art, a Viennese inkwell with a mermaid and octopus design from the Art Noveau period; this is what gave him the idea to blend together functional art and nature, in the form of the octopus lamps. 

When he's not busy working with craftsmanship on his unique artistry, Parker says he stays busy outside his work with another hobby. As a man of many talents, Parker is an intermediate aerialist at Night Flight and Afterglow Aerial Arts in Oregon. 

Mason Parker's breathtaking work can be found on his website, https://masonscreations.com/. 

What do you think of Mason Parker's incredible creations? Would you like an octopus chandelier in your home? Let us know your thoughts and be sure to pass this on to others so they can see Parker's breathtaking craftsmanship and artistry, too!