for Laura

I think its fun that you are using the extruder to make all these hollow forms and then put them together. It seems that the goal is to create a more utilitarian art object. I like the way the forms interact, and the idea of using them as a way to display light. Since the forms are so simply created and interesting on their own, with all their different sizes and weights I think that the light detail is really where you should focus. The light inside the finished chandelier I don't think takes advantage of the form of the piece. You have this very earthy object that is repeated and massed together, and the more you build onto that (or the idea of a mass of something) I think the light (and shadow) will be able to become a more important part. A single light bulb in the middle casts out light, but almost overtook those really cool clay parts.

For some reason, I was reminded of that piece with all the plastic cups by Tara Donovan: http://www.artnet.com/magazineus/features/stender/stender4-3-06.asp

the repetition of that material created a beautiful sculpture, and while hers was not meant to be a chandelier, or an object created for light, light became a really important part of the piece. The translucency, stacking and space between the cups created light and shadow and turned the cups into a landscape, or something alive.

If you were looking at it from more of an industrial design standpoint, I remember seeing some home made light fixtures, and a lot of other really interesting lighting solutions at the design triennial at the Cooper Hewitt last semester. There was one light fixture made out of wire and old glass bottles, it might give you some ideas about the technical side of your chandeliers.
http://www.cooperhewitt.org/EXHIBITIONS/triennial/design_life_now.asp

also, on their website I know current/past exhibitions have a lot to do with lighting, so it might be worth browsing, just to see what people are making.