NAME
Light Study in Red

 

DATE CREATED
Aug 2007

 

DIMENSIONS
Height: 113 cm
Diameter of Base: 27 cm

 

MATERIAL & PARTS 
Clarinet, 2 spoons, pot lid, 2 reflector cups for wine or whiskey tasteing, reflector from space heater 

Description 
This metal assemblage light sculpture attempts to achieve integration on two levels. 


First, there is an integration of light and form. Light is used to highlight and accentuate various features of the sculpture, and the form of the sculpture is used filter, color, highlight, adjust, and otherwise control how light is emitted. "Sculpting of form" and "sculpting with light" are both intended here. 

 

Second, there is integration from a perspective of form, top to bottom, where the keys of the clarinet at the bottom are further reflected in the holes, shapes,and cutouts within the round structure at the top. 


I will explain these two attempts at integration more fully below. 

 

Integration of Light and Form
The goal here is for the shapes of the form to "play with" or manipulate the light, and for the light to accentuate various aspects of the form. As mentioned above, this is a concept of both "sculpting with light" and "sculpting of form". The sculpting of form is obvious from the photo. But the sculpting with light requres a bit more explanation. Notice how light is minipulated by "hiding" the source of it inside the round form at the top, and then adjusting and controlling how it "emits" outwards. To get a better idea of this, follow the links below. 

"Etching" with Light: By cutting fine lines with a jewelry saw in the pot lid (which also serves to hide the light at the front), an etching effect is created. Click here for close up. Note that An Art Deco feel was intended here as well. Coincidentally, after this sculpture was finished, I saw a similar detail in the Grand Sport poster by Cassandre. 

 

"Haloing" Light: This is a technique I have used before, most noticeable in the sculpture "Henri Comtemplates Carl's Cosmos". But in the case, the background was painted red, which changed the overall feeling. Click here for close up. 

"Reflecting" Light: Although it cannot be seen directly upon normal inspection, two large holes were cut out behind the clock. This light is then reflected off of the spoons, which serve to light up the clock face at night. 

Backlighting: Holes were cut in the back of the sculpture to provide some backlighting when the sculpture is lit up at night.