firstnight

I suppose I started this project one sleepless night a long time ago. I don't recall, but I think it was the search light beacon from the electric trains we had as kids that inspired me. I crafted the first spinner out of tin foil and a coathanger afixed to a lamp. The results were far from spectacular yet enough to lead me to further experimentation.

I started up the project again in 1993 by building a sort of spinner projection box. It was a cube about 30" x 30" on legs standing about 5' overall. I made several colored and b/w (or black and clear) shades and began to play! I eventually developed special shades for performances I would do with the band Lovebox (It went well with their heavy handed psychedelic trancendental sound).

Then in 1998 Mary and I were planing for a summer of vending at VW shows. We were discussing sewing a special canopy for the bus and other sorts of flags and banners to attract attention and generally brighten up our booth. The roof top spinner was then born! It was a projection box made with metal tubing and covered with a translucent nylon skin just big enough to sit in the roof rack of the VW Bus. It was to be used in remote places so a propane lantern would replace the electric bulb. Push came to shove and we set forth on a summer of VW shows and adventure without it (due to the lack of space onboard). However I began using it quite a bit at AS220 in The Frequency Lounge. Although it was a large piece it fit rather well in that environment. I did finally get to set it up on top of the bus for a Waterfire performance for The Purple Ivy Shadows (a Providence band). It was quite a sight!

From that came the concept for The Garden of Moving Light. I hope to be showing The Garden in various remote locations throughout Wisconsin in the year to come. Photos will be posted accordingly!