Gregory Mowery

This class will be an exploration of the electric light as an art medium. Through the demonstration of various electric light technologies the student will learn both the traditional use of lighting and installation and also an experimental approach to lighting that will produce unexpected visual effects. Students may work in individual or group projects that will span the range of light use from architectural design to performance as well as merging with other media such as sound.

Light is a material that can be shaped to express ideas, create experiences and increase the communicative potential of objects and spaces. Through a combination of lectures, demos, fields trips and most of all, hands-on lab work, students develop a degree of self sufficiency in the design, construction and prototyping of illuminated objects, physical graphics and environmental lighting. Students learn basic electronic and electrical circuit design, lamp specification and experiment with illumination technologies including incandescent, LED and cold cathode (neon).

Light is a material that can be shaped to express ideas, create experiences and increase the communicative potential of objects and spaces. Through a combination of lectures, demos, fields trips and most of all, hands-on lab work, students develop a degree of self sufficiency in the design, construction and prototyping of illuminated objects, physical graphics and environmental lighting. Students learn basic electronic and electrical circuit design, lamp specification and experiment with illumination technologies including incandescent, LED and cold cathode (neon).

Advanced Neon expands the possibilities of light as an artistic medium, guiding students from foundational bending techniques into projects that merge craft, technology, and conceptual exploration. Students will experiment with animation, CAD-based design, phosphor coating, Arduino-driven systems, and professional-standard installation and assembly methods, including alternatives using modern tools such as 3D printing. Readings and demos will draw from both technical sources as well as the work of artists who have extended neon into sculpture, performance, and cultural critique. By the end of the course, students will have designed and produced an exhibition-ready neon work grounded in both technical skill and conceptual perspective.

Note: Students not meeting the pre-requisite may contact the instructor to seek permission to join the class.