I just can’t get over the light painting process.  It has such an energy and “wow factor” that I just love showing some of the cool pics to folks who have never seen it before and watching their excitement.  It never fails, when they see these pics and videos they freak out.  Even hardened, jaded production professionals can’t contain the glee at these images and process.

We set up a light painting station at Thin LIne Film Fest 2008 in the Lounge and it was an unqualified success. The energy that develops once people see themselves in these pictures or see their work in he image is just fabulous.  The creative group experience that emerges is spectacular in  my opinion.  Such a basically simple process and yet the reactions and the spontaneity and the fun that people have is just incredible to watch and be a part of.

For years Che’ and I have done group/performance art work, she has an MFA in sculpture, and we know how challenging it can be to create a “magic moment” for people that they carry with them after the event.  But we have also witnessed amazing changes in people as they get sucked into a collaborative and creative group process.  So, we can recognize when there is a powerful process/experience happening and the light painting is ALWAYS something special any time you get some folks together to play.

The creativity pops out, the ideas flow freely. There is a  simple joy at immediately rushing to the camera to see the images.  The moment to moment expansion of what you perceive of as possible is mind changing.  The imaginative ways to utilize the tools is always developing….all of these factors and more combine into a personal and collective series of “magic moments” EVERY TIME I/we have done it.

I have spoken to other light painters and they all relate the same shared experiences.  There is a very real power in this simple act of creativity.  The interactive nature of it appeals to me a lot.  Feeling the “walls” or barriers to communication or a shared experience vanish in the instant when everyone reacts to the images on the little LCD screen is simply magic in my estimation.

Smiles, laughter, creation, ideas, sharing…..it goes on and on….

The forms of expression are as limitless as the imagination of light painters.  Very shortly after making some light painting pictures the search for new “tools” and lights starts.  This, after buying a few, quickly turns in to the desire/need to MAKE your own.  This is great….a real merging of creativity and technology. But as with every art form…the tools are just a way to manifest a vision and the variety of visions is truly spectacular.  I have listed links in previous posts to some of these artists, but here is a link that blew my mind the first time I saw it…..it’s a little bit different than just light painting with LED lights, but is a perfect example of art and technology and culture converging for  future sensibility….

…..enjoy and go get some friends together to light paint and feel the magic for yourself!!!!!