DDR SDS Drill Lamp

By Keren Gerlitz

The story about how I almost got arrested and made a lamp in the process.

As I was working on this old hammer drill, which I got as a present from the toolshed of my friend's grandpa, I decided it needs a firm heavy base to stand on. In Berlin the streets are paved with huge granite stones. It seemed like the perfect fit.

I waited until I found a sidewalk that was being renovated, and dragged a huge granite stone to the studio. It was too big and too heavy to lift, so I decided to cut it in half. After trying different discs that did not leave a mark on my granite monster, I bought a special diamond disc, thinking, if this doesn't cut it, nothing will.

I forgot to mention that cutting stone involves a lot of noise and even more dust. I set up outside on the balcony of my studio, which is directly on the street, put on heavy ear mufflers and started cutting as if my life depended on it.

I was so in my own noisy dusty world that I lost track of my surroundings. That is, until I took a break, turned off the saw and discovered an angry neighbour, accompanied by two German police officers with a scary look on their faces. They were sure I was cutting off a piece of the building's facade.

In the end, after some explanations, they left me alone, and I got my granite base and the feeling of an outlaw at the same time.