Lightworks Resources, Inc. : Creating timeless artworks

Contemporary yet timeless. An inspiration that dwells in the interconnections of all life forms. Lightworks Resources, Inc. is a product of one man’s masterful creation that has fascinated the world of design.

Twenty years ago, Ravi Singh, a director of natural medicine, has a hobby of décor and furniture making. In his garage and lanai, he crafts unconventional home pieces that are functional. His collection, however, grew which seem to be unbearable to fit in their house. Supportive of her husband’s enthusiasm in design, Rashmi Tolentino-Singh suggested to make Ravi’s hobby into a business. In 1989, Lightworks was established.

Lightworks first used narra as their main material. This was because of Ravi’s fascination over the sturdy Philippine narra wood. However, strict environment laws prohibited the company to use narra, and also, there is a limited market for narra products. “We can’t export narra. Narra has a specific market that’s why we decided to do other product lines.” Rashmi relates. Lightworks sought other materials like ceramics. But the business on ceramics was not doing well because of the competition in China and Vietnam.

Despite the hurdles, Lightworks did not stop creating new home ideas. They used much bolder materials, which at that time, the design industry finds it modern and avant-garde. Using materials such as copper, silver, gold, and fiberglass. They gilded these materials and transformed them into gargantuan fixtures that are high-end and ageless.


A collection of high-quality home furnishings

At lightworks, Ravi heads the design team. He often gets his inspiration from the bounty of nature, human life, and the lotus flower – all of which has a symbolical meaning in their lives.

The design process does not take too much time. But deliberating on what the market would expect from them may take a while. In this aspect, Rashmi assists Ravi on how to market their products. Each product underwent series of research. Not wanting to disappoint their clients, the Singhs see to it that they come up with something that is striking and memorable to whoever sees it. Recognizing the product itself is a way of associating it to the Lightworks brand.

The present collections of Lightworks are mostly metal structures, although, some are made out of fiberglass, wood, stones, and natural fiber. These metal sculptures underwent a process called gilding, which they also used in their ceramics. Gilding is an age-old process of covering an item with a thin layer of gold. This is common in East and South Asia. The gilding process, which Lightworks is known for, was a product of Ravi’s research.

Lightworks presents products that are well-thought of. All of them are exciting to see and can be described as beyond reproach. Apart from wall arts, they also have indoor/outdoor furniture; large sculptural plant holder, vases; murals, panels, tiles; wall art discs, mirrors, sconces; water sculptures or fountains for table, wall and large sculptural installations; tabletops like vases, bowls, trivets; architectural pieces like door floor tiles, basins, platforms, claddings. Creating these items may take a month or more depending on the size and type of mold of the product. However, buyers are willing to wait because they know that Lightworks gives them only the best.


All it needs: hardwork and optimism

For almost 20 years in the business, thee company has shown great passion for the art, relentless dedication and service to their clients, and most of all, they have helped improved the lives of almost 300 people. With all of their hardwork, the design-led and excellence-driven partnership of Ravi and Rashmi put Lightworks ahead of its game.

The successes that Lightworks has gained served as their motivation to be at their best. They do not rest on their laurels, but, treat it as a reminder that buyers expect a lot from them and that they have to surpass their high expectations. And though they have done very well in their craft, Ravi and Rashmi continues to explore trendier designs for their upcoming product lines. As Rashmi puts it, “when you say challenge, I say it is an opportunity. I turn it positive, otherwise, I would be stressed. We find an opportunity to make it better.”

The Singhs’ optimistic views on the business seem to reflect in their products. There is a feel of well-being and joy that is embodied in varied forms of sculptural and decorative home pieces.


Making a mark in the international market

Lightworks was a hobby atelier that has become a successful export furniture company. As Rashmi recalls, she never thought that their company could become big and would be recognized internationally. The Singhs are grateful to the people who have opened the doors for them, particularly, former heads of the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), Mina Gabor and Precy Omikting. CITEM has seen the potential of this budding company during their early years.

When they first joined a trade show in Frankfurt, Germany, Lightworks brought with them an enormous wall art which amazed the buyers. The company’s display stood out despite the small booth of the Philippines at the show. The positive feedback from Germany opened a lot of opportunities for Lightworks. They also joined other international trade shows like Macef in Milan, Maison et Objet in Paris, Ambiente and Tendence in Frankfurt. Lightworks also exhibits their products in some shows in the US, other countries in Europe, and Asia. Their participation brought them a number of reputable clients who were honored to carry the Lightworks brand.

“Our distributors, when they join shows in Europe, they represent us. They use Lightworks sa booth nila. Unlike when other distributor shows, the product is just part of the theme. We have a strong presence on Italy and also in Paris because we are the only company that represents the Philippines in Maison and carries the Philippine flag,” Rashmi proudly shares.

Up to this day, Lightworks is also an active participant for the Manila F.A.M.E. International, CITEM bi-annual trade show. It has opened another company, Bato Balani, which is based in Cebu. Bato Balani offers a wide range of products that uses different materials like shells.


For more information on Lightworks, log on to www.lightworks.com.ph