Thomas Cooper Studio, an East Los Angeles-based lighting brand led by Jason Kai Cooper and Sally Thomas Cooper, has launched The Sagas, a limited-edition sculpture series that explores human storytelling and ancestral connection. As part of the studio’s Thomas Cooper Projects line, Sagas is a triptych of woven art pieces celebrating the power of narrative.
Inspired by ancient Viking mythology, The Sagas series (“Signy”/Queen; “Sigmund”/King; “Sinfjotl”/Prince) pays homage to the role of women in shaping history. The central figure, Signy, from the Norse Völsunga saga, symbolizes the hidden strength and resilience of women throughout time. Elevated above her brother and son in the triptych, Signy embodies the ultimate queen archetype, a symbol of the influence and agency women have wielded throughout history.
Drawing inspiration from Viking burial rites, Jason Kai Cooper’s initial sketches provided a foundation for The Sagas’ ancestral theme. The selection of materials—wool for grounding, silk for elevation and hand-worked bronze and brass for heritage—adds layers of symbolic significance. The hand-formed brass frame, featuring perforations and embroidered symbols of protection and fertility, completes each piece, while the materials as a whole represent the enduring strength of human spirit.
Sally Thomas Cooper incorporated texture and warmth into the piece. By blending traditional weaving techniques with contemporary design, The Sagas invites viewers to explore the intricate threads that connect the present to the past and to recognize the impact of women's stories on the human experience.