Illuminating beginnings. . . 

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In 1990, Fillerup was approached by friend and fellow artist Jimmy Covert to sculpt a bronze panel and arrow pulls for a handcrafted piece of furniture he was creating.  It was the beginning of a new artistic adventure for Fillerup who soon began sculpting chandeliers, hardware, and sconces for high end homes.  During this period Fillerup’s creative talents blossomed in this new genre as well as his penchant for history.  He was passionate about research and would often incorporate Native American tipi, blanket and bead designs into his work.  His work could also take a modern turn as when he took molds from branches and cast them into bronze sconces that lined a bowling alley in the basement of a luxury home.  He hunted for elk antlers, beaver chew logs and authentic African spears to incorporate into chandeliers.  He hand sewed rawhide domes and tipis that were painted with historical patterns reflecting a certain tribe.  Always, there was meaning behind his work-symbols that often had special meaning for him or his client.   During the thirty years that followed that first collaboration, Fillerup worked with distinguished architects such as R.M. Stern, Naomi Leff and Meg Jonson.  He was also privileged to work with Juergen Dzierzon, a master glass artisan in a collaboration that lasted decades and produced some of his most notable work. His lighting has been featured in: Architectural Digest, Cowboys and Indians, Luxury Living, Utah Homes and Gardens, Log Home Living and Art and Antiques.