Ancient Lantern

I wanted to build a prop that feels like it has been standing in the same spot for hundreds of years. Stylized props like this are a fun challenge because the shapes have to do all the talking. I sculpted the stone with soft, rounded edges and worked the swirling carved patterns into the surface so the lantern feels ancient and hand-made rather than machine cut.

The heart of this piece is the contrast between the cold and the warm. I spent a lot of time balancing the aged green stone against the amber glow coming through the panels, because that glow is what makes the lantern feel alive instead of just being a rock with a hole in it. Getting the light to feel soft and inviting, like a small fire inside, was the detail I cared about most.