A Ghost Light is a single fixture on wheels which is brought out on a stage when a theater is dark.
Project Background
This Lumia construct began in August, 2020. I had seen a program segment on CBS Sunday Morning about the economic disaster that the Pandemic is causing in the performing arts. This inspired me to extend traditional methods used in Lumia to create silent visual compositions. In this piece, a central, single filament tungsten light source provides the illumination. Surrounding this light are optically reactive materials that reflect, refract, diffract, distort and interfere with the projected image of the lamp filament. An outer ring contains iconic images of theatrical performances staged by the Oldcastle Theatre Company over the years. The image panels incorporate a subset of optically reactive materials that interact with the inner ring. The resulting combination adds a layer of dynamic visual to each panel. Change and motion come from random currents created by an antique reciprocating fan. The suspended panels behave like sails on a ship, redirecting, focusing and dispersing the fan’s energy.
The Art of Lumia has inspired my work since 1968
Creating opto-mechanical constructs, multimedia projections, optical performance instruments and ambient light environments for over 32 years enabled me to explore the infinite properties of light as a means to create images and compositions. In 1998, my creative tools became digital. I began composing Lumia using optical simulation software. Since 2014, I have been working primarily with natural light, optically reactive materials and non-electrified means of creating imagery and movement. My work is about personal contemplation, revelation and insight.
How I Use Light
I use the attributes of light for image creation. The constructs are fixed or moving fixtures holding optics and materials that generate still or moving images. The resulting combinations interact by reflecting, diffracting, and/or refracting light to create images that trigger your imagination and memories to induce personal visions and experiences within the viewer’s mind and spirit.
A Creative Collaboration
I presented the idea to executive director Jennifer Jasper one Monday afternoon in late September, with little more than a video clip of a maquette in my studio, here in town. Jennifer responded enthusiastically and immediately engaged Richard Howe to search the archives for iconic images of performers and performances. Ghost Light required a custom fixture to connect the ghost light to the ring armature. David Groupe, Technical and Lighting Director, graciously worked with me to fabricate the components that make this possible. Iconic theatre images were transformed from digital files to inkjet transparencies by Greg Van Houten and his talented team at GVH Studio.
For more information, please visit George’s website.