A solid state lighting device includes at least one emitter and a forged heatsink arranged to receive and dissipate heat generated by emitter(s). The heatsink may have a thickness and/or profile that varies in at least two dimensions. Fabrication of a solid state lighting device may include providing a forged heatsink, and mounting at least one solid state emitter in thermal communication with the heatsink. A space or object may be illuminated with a lighting device including at least one solid state emitter and a forged heatsink. The lighting device may be operated responsive to at least one sensor arranged to sense temperature and/or at least one characteristic of light emitted by the emitter(s).