LOOKING FOR A DIFFERENT GIFT IDEA? THE LIGHT AFFECTION COMPANY USES TECHNOLOGY TO TRANSFORM AN OLD ART FORM INTO A NEW ONE-OF-A-KIND GIFT IDEA

Light Affection takes any of your favorite photographs and carves a one-of-a-kind lithophane like piece. Assembled in an elegant frame, the carved pieces come alive when illuminated from behind. The final piece is an exquisite personalized lamp.

The Light Affection Company, a Long Beach tech-design company, announces the release of its groundbreaking product, Light Affection. Using new technology and materials to revive the old art form of Lithophanes, Light Affection takes any of your favorite photographs and carves a one-of-a-kind. Assembled in an elegant frame, the carved pieces come alive when illuminated from behind. The varying thickness of the translucent material creates the illusion of the original image. The final product is a complete personalized lamp. The Lamp fits anywhere a conventional framed photo stand will fit but this one literally lights up the room.

The reaction by consumers thus far has been overwhelming," explain Lisa Mann, Owner and Lead Designer of The Light Affection Company. We found that people relate to the product for different reasons. Some like the fact that it has sentimental and personal value. Others enjoy the illusion behind it. I have had a few people try to figure out how we fit the actual photograph inside. People that were looking into home decorating pointed out the practical aspects" continues Lisa After all, it is a lamp and a different way to display a photograph". One of the first and favorite samples Lisa made was from an old deteriorating photograph of her as a toddler with her grandfather. I loved the photo so much and was very happy to find a way to preserve it for my kids. Once I put the piece up in our living room I understood this was a real product".

The company hopes that this will prove to be one of the most popular holiday gift ideas for years to come.

Light Affection is based on the art form of lithophanes, made popular in France in 1827, although the earliest forms of lithophanes were actually produced in China. The Europeans evolved the concept into complex, intricately detailed scenes. The concept was simply a sheet of porcelain carved in varying degrees of thickness, when held to a light, would result in a highly detailed picture with the soft image of high quality. The process of creating lithophanes was long and excruciating. The carvings required the work of very highly skilled artists and during the process the master piece, molds and final pieces would often break or bend and required starting all over again. Today collectors collect these old lithophanes in various pieces from around the world.

About the company:

Lisa Mann, company owner and product creator studied and graduated Mechanical Engineering. She spent 10 years in the computerized manufacturing environment before starting her own business and coming up with the idea of the Light Affection product.

Light Affection retails for $119 to $239 depending on size. It is available for purchasing on the web site as well as in local Long Beach stores.