The Alchemy of Black & Brass
— A Custom Installation Story —
Growth rarely happens within the lines of a comfort zone.
When a returning collector approached us for a second commission, we knew the expectations would be high. Our first work for her—a framed piece in black and gold—had already pushed us to depart from our signature neutral palette. But this new request was an entirely different beast: a 6x3 foot rope installation featuring deep black cotton and solid brass elements.
It was a challenge that required us to be as much engineers and researchers as we are artists.
The Science of the Surface
One of the biggest hurdles was the brass. While we could have sourced pre-finished pieces, the "plasticky," high-shine commercial finish didn't align with our aesthetic. We wanted the metal to feel raw yet refined.
To control the quality, we brought the entire process in-house. This meant diving deep into the technicalities of metallurgy. We monitored humidity levels, dew points, and temperatures to apply a specialized, invisible sealant. The goal? To protect the brass from oxidation for a decade or more while allowing the natural, soulful glow of the metal to remain the hero.
Architectural Integration
For the suspension, the client requested black-stained oak to match her previous piece. However, we felt that simply tying rope to a bar lacked the architectural elegance this project deserved.
Prash developed a bespoke solution: a wooden strip featuring internal grooves and precision-drilled holes. By feeding the rope through the heart of the wood, the fibers appear to "emerge" naturally from the oak. It’s a cleaner, more sophisticated silhouette that hides the mechanics and highlights the design. Once stained, it was finished with our signature hard wax oil for long-lasting protection.
Rhythm and Detail
The physical rope work was a study in rhythm. Using thick black cotton rope, I hand-fed each strand through the oak and added barrel knots to create an organic, wavy effect across the 6-foot span.
The final touch was in the hardware. We added brass cylinders flanking the knots and custom brass end caps to every single rope. It is these tiny, meticulous details that elevate a piece from "decor" to "installation."
The Brooklyn Installation
The final destination for this work was a stunning dining room in Brooklyn, New York. Installed opposite a magnificent bar featuring black tones, gold fixtures, and a textured stone wall, the piece had a specific mission: to complement, not compete.
We chose a rope installation over a solid woven panel specifically to allow for "white space." This lightness ensures the room feels balanced, allowing the stone and the brass to breathe together in a shared dialogue of luxury.