At Moonshine Lamp Co., we don’t just make lamps; we transform ordinary objects into extraordinary lighting creations. Rob Lewbel, the founder and creative mind behind Moonshine Lamp Co, thrives on the challenge of reimagining the potential of everyday items and giving them new life as functional, one-of-a-kind lighting pieces. Each creation tells a story, and whether it’s an antique samovar or vintage skis, Rob’s passion for unique lighting shines through in every piece.
Embracing the Challenge: Where Creativity Meets Functionality
Rob’s love for repurposing and reimagining objects didn’t begin as a business idea—it stemmed from a deep-rooted passion for discovering beauty in the unexpected. With years of experience in the movie industry, specifically in lighting, Rob developed a keen eye for what could be transformed into something extraordinary. What started as a hobby, creating custom lighting solutions for his own home and friends, quickly evolved into a thriving business. Moonshine Lamp Co. was born from his dedication to craftsmanship and his ability to turn objects that weren’t originally designed to be light fixtures into functional and stunning pieces of art.
Moonshine Lamp Co. has earned its reputation as a leader in custom lighting by focusing on what makes Rob’s creations truly unique: his creativity and bold approach to design. Rob thrives on challenges, and there’s no project too unconventional for him. Whether it’s a discarded item, a vintage treasure, or an unexpected find, Rob isn’t afraid to dive in and transform it into a lighting masterpiece that brings new life to any space. His expertise, honed in the fast-paced world of movie lighting, allows him to see the potential in every object, making each creation a reflection of his skill and vision.
Turning Antiques into Art: A Samovar Lamp
One of Rob’s most beloved creations is a bedside table lamp made from an antique samovar. For those unfamiliar, a samovar is a traditional Russian tea urn, often crafted from brass or copper. These intricate, vintage pieces are rich in history, and while they may no longer serve their original function, Rob saw their potential as a statement piece in the form of lighting.
By carefully adapting the samovar to house a light source, Rob brought new life to this historical object. The combination of its beautiful brass finish and the warm glow of the lamp creates a stunning visual that’s as much art as it is lighting. It’s an excellent example of how custom lighting can not only illuminate a space but also tell a story about its past.
Vintage Skis Transformed into a Statement Chandelier
When Rob got his hands on a pair of vintage skis, many would have seen them as outdated relics from a bygone era. But to Rob, they were the perfect materials to create a unique, rustic chandelier. He meticulously crafted the skis into a chandelier, featuring multiple bulbs that offer both warmth and character. The result? A light fixture that combines vintage charm with a modern twist.
It’s projects like this that showcase Rob’s bold approach to custom lighting. He’s not afraid to take something seemingly irrelevant and transform it into a showpiece. This chandelier, with its blend of nostalgia and functionality, has become a conversation starter in this custom home in Lake Arrowhead, California.
Canoe Oars: A Creative Chandelier
If you think creating a chandelier out of skis is impressive, wait until you hear about the time Rob turned canoe oars into a stunning light fixture. By combining several canoe oars into a chandelier, he created a light fixture that evokes the beauty of the outdoors while serving as a functional piece of art. The oars, with their curved edges and rustic appearance, add a touch of nature to any space, making it perfect for a cabin, lake house, or anyone who appreciates a coastal vibe.
This project was another challenge that Rob embraced with excitement. Whether it’s oars, skis, or samovars, Rob loves pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and creating custom lighting that’s truly unique.
Vintage Lab Equipment: A Retro Table Lamp
Not all of Rob’s creations come from outdoor or vintage objects—sometimes, inspiration strikes from the most unexpected sources. While visiting a lab at the prestigious Harvey Mudd College, Rob learned that they were tossing a collection of obsolete lab equipment. Seeing the potential in these discarded tools, he was inspired to transform them into an industrial-inspired table lamp. The combination of metal, glass, and bulbs gave the lamp a unique, edgy aesthetic, blending science with art in a way that appeals to anyone with a taste for the quirky and unconventional.
What makes custom lighting so special is the limitless potential it offers, and Rob’s ability to see beauty in items others might overlook is what sets his creations apart. Each piece isn’t just a light fixture; it’s a work of art with its own story—one that begins with something simple and ends with a lighting masterpiece that illuminates both space and imagination.
From Art to Illumination: Transforming an Arcosanti Bell into a Statement Desk Lamp
When a dedicated collector of Arcosanti ceramic bells wanted to transform one of these distinctive art pieces into a functional desk lamp for his Palm Springs office, he turned to Rob for a solution. Understanding the importance of preserving the bell’s artistic integrity while making it practical for everyday use, Rob designed a custom concrete base that complemented the bell’s raw, sculptural beauty. To support the weight of the concrete bell, he crafted a decorative yet sturdy custom arm, ensuring both balance and visual harmony. With careful wiring and expert craftsmanship, Rob brought the collector’s vision to life, seamlessly merging art and function into a one-of-a-kind lighting piece.
Repurposing Bottles into Unique Lighting
For many years, Rob has been turning discarded and antique bottles into beautiful lighting fixtures. Whether it’s an old wine bottle, a vintage soda bottle, or even a discarded liquor bottle, Rob sees the beauty in these objects and knows how to repurpose them into functional lighting.
By transforming these bottles into custom pendant lights, table lamps, or chandeliers, Rob adds a touch of character and history to each piece. These unique lighting designs are perfect for anyone looking to add a bit of personality to their home while also embracing sustainability by repurposing materials.
The Art of Custom Lighting: Pushing the Limits of Creativity
At the heart of Moonshine Lamp Co. is a passion for creativity and craftsmanship. Rob Lewbel is not just a lighting designer; he’s a lighting artist who approaches each project with the mindset of pushing the limits of what’s possible. He’s not afraid of new, out-of-the-box ideas and embraces the challenge of transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary.
If you’re looking for custom lighting that’s truly one-of-a-kind, Rob and Moonshine Lamp Co. are here to help. Whether it’s repurposing vintage objects, antique finds, or just thinking creatively about what can be transformed into a beautiful light fixture, Rob’s passion for unique lighting shines through in every piece he creates.
Reach out today to learn more about our custom lighting services and how we can bring your vision to life. At Moonshine Lamp Co., we’re ready to turn your ideas into stunning works of lighting art.