Gregory Mowery

This course examines neon techniques used in both traditional and current sign making and their application in creating artworks. Contemporary technical developments are explored.

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).

The relatively simple to program microprocessor technology and solid state hardware allow students to focus on issues of content and concept. Students will learn both industry standards and unique solutions of assembly, installation and presentation. Students will be asked to create work where the temporal, spacial and physical elements are intrinsically related. Artists will look at both commercial work from mid-century and current fine art with an emphasis on animation, and other implementations and mixing of technologies. A special emphasis will be given to Bruce Nauman, who most exemplifies the values of this course. Students will be required to complete assigned exercises early in the semester. There will be an assigned mid-term followed by several weeks of studio and a final critique.