Wednesday 14 February 2018
(Above: Women Writing History, photo credit: Jordan Harris Photography)
How long have you been working within the lighting industry and creating your amazing light installations?
Well I have discovered the power of light only 3 years ago when accidentally created a water lighting experiment within my architecture master's course. So far I had the opportunity to create two artistic installations that engaged lighting as a retrospective tool to communicate messages and I hope to play more with these concepts in the future.
What inspired you to create this specific installation?
The idea was to use lighting as a tool to sensitise people and reveal forgotten stories to reflect upon. It was also thought to incite dialogue and remembrance of women's role in writing history and how each of us relates to this subject.
Do you have a favourite city or place to create a light installation?
I think any place in the world has its own stories that can be revealed with light, and the beauty lies in the process of making this happen.
What does the average day for a light artist entail?
Well I could probably speak more from the lighting designer perspective, which is quite different from that of an artist, however, if I am to remember the years I worked as a visual artist then it’s definitely a lot of experimentation at all levels, from early morning to very, very late in the night. This also comes with a lot of inward and outward questioning of how our work projects the external world and how this engages the wider audience.
If you could give one piece of advice to anyone looking to become a light artist what would it be?
More than advice, I think it comes as sharing thoughts from personal experience. I would say that one shouldn't really try hard to become a light artist, but become 'themselves' in the first place, and then the 'light' and 'art' will join you in the most successful way.
What are you hoping the people feel when they see your installation for the e-Luminate Festival?
Would be great if they feel inspired, reflective and engaged, but probably as far as they have a very personal experience, then that is enough really.
Women Writing History was created by Colin Ball and Victoria Coval and forms part of the 2018 e-Luminate Festival illuminations, more information on this light installation can be found HERE