BREAKING: The innovative Noctua lamp, designed by artist Cinnamon Lee, has just won the prestigious $35,000 MAKE Award for innovation, marking a significant milestone in the world of craft and design. This award, recognized as Australia’s richest non-acquisitive prize, was announced today by the Australian Design Centre (ADC) after a competitive selection process involving nearly 200 entries.
The Noctua lamp serves a dual purpose—it functions as an exquisite piece of sapphire jewellery by day and transforms into an ornamental lamp by night. Lee’s groundbreaking design features a brooch made from over 10 carats of brilliant-cut sapphires, which can be detached and worn, while also projecting intricate light patterns when attached to the lamp. When illuminated, the lamp casts a distinctive silhouette of a Bogong moth, offering a unique twist reminiscent of a Bat Signal.
In a statement, Lee expressed her gratitude for the recognition, stating, “It means a lot to me to be recognised, because there’s not a lot of recognition, especially in Australia, of the highly crafted object.” She emphasized the importance of acknowledging craftspeople who meticulously create artwork by hand in a landscape often dominated by contemporary art.
The Noctua beat out 36 finalists to secure the award, showcasing innovation across various mediums, including ceramics, glass, and textiles. The ADC highlighted the significance of this award for supporting artists, especially as they navigate funding challenges. Earlier this year, the ADC announced it had missed out on crucial four-year operational funding, leaving them with just a fraction of the necessary $500,000 for annual operations.
Lee has been a trailblazer in both lighting and jewellery design for over 30 years, with her works featured in prominent exhibitions worldwide. The Noctua lamp, however, is notable for being entirely handmade, showcasing Lee’s commitment to traditional craftsmanship while incorporating modern design techniques. “That’s always my motivation, to make things that I have never seen or that don’t exist,” she remarked.
The winning artwork will be displayed at the ADC as part of Sydney Craft Week, running until November 19. Following this exhibition, the Noctua lamp will move to the JamFactory Adelaide from December 5 until April 12, 2026, allowing more audiences to appreciate this innovative piece.
Lee’s achievement is not just a personal victory; it highlights the vital role of craft and design in Australia’s cultural landscape. As the ADC continues to support over 1,000 artists annually, the Noctua lamp stands as a beacon of innovation and creativity in a challenging funding environment.
Stay tuned for more updates on this groundbreaking recognition and upcoming exhibitions featuring remarkable works from Australia’s finest artisans.
