The Big Beam No. 164 Sealed Beam Beacon Lamp, patented in February 1953 by U-C Lite Manufacturing Company of Chicago, is one of my favorite discoveries in this series. Its clever design features a red beacon that lifts from the back, allowing the main light and warning beacon to operate simultaneously.
It’s the little things, as they say, and details like this make me appreciate the ingenuity behind everyday objects.
Painting the Big Beam also brought an unexpected reflection on my own creative process. Trusting the process has never come easily to me, whether starting, working through the uncertain middle, or deciding when a painting is finished. Even when the results are satisfying, doubt has a way of lingering. But this lamp reminded me why the effort is worthwhile.
