A question I am often asked is, “…where did it all begin?” My love affair with light was first realised at an exhibition of modern sculptural art. Two of the same artworks lit in entirely different ways, created mood and drama I had never seen before. A narrow focused beam of light I now know as a “pinspot” was directed at one installation creating heavy shadowing and contrast. The adjoining work was lit by a colour changing flood and the different effect on the subject was remarkable. The impact of this realisation was that I became intensely focused on the effect of light on materials and designing innovative interpretations of this relationship.During my formative years, my design style was heavily influenced by the classical architectural elements of my surroundings as a child and the various galleries and auction houses I was exposed to continually by my parents and mentors. The depth of my appreciation for the instrument that is ‘light’ remains the driving force behindthe output of the Dean Phillips studio. I believe that by balancing simple geometry, traditional techniques and materials as well as embracing emerging technologies, one is well positioned to develop ‘classic contemporary’ luminaires.For me, it is simply art imitating light…