Light Transformed is Light employs a modular design to simplify construction, transport, assembly and clean-up. The modular design is planned so that all vital elements of the installation will be built first, then depending on time and budget considerations additional elements can be added and existing elements can be expanded upon.
March 10th - April 15th - Build bicycle generator from powerful permanent magnets, 150 feet of magnetic wire, and Plexiglas casing. Weld to stationary bicycle. Test and adjust for optimal voltage output. Set up two circuits one to power LED's of the leg's on the projection screen, another to charge the lead-acid battery through a rectifier.
April 15th - May 15th - Order solar power components. Construct LED embroidered projection screen. Wire with passive Infrared motion detectors. Set up circuit to coordinate with bicyclists leg movements. Wire with appropriate resistances for power to be supplied from battery or generator. Test for durability, portability and accuracy of motion detection.
May 15th - June 15th- Assemble solar power system. Wire Photovoltaic module through charge controller into the deep-cycle lead-acid battery and then out through the 300 watt inverter. Securely mount solar panel on four metal beams so that it can be easily assembled and taken down. Test the elevated solar panel for strength and ensure that it will be able to withstand extremely strong winds. Ensure voltages are consistent with expectations and that current will be sufficient to power the LCD projector, laptop and LED's, as well as any additional lights necessary for safety.
June 15th - July 18th- Produce videos to be projected. Using an array of editing techniques and styles assemble found footage with the shots and images created specifically for this project. Create 6 hours or more of original footage for the Light Transformed is Light installation. Footage will relate to and expand upon all of the the concepts the work engages. Begin screening on LED embroidered screen.
July 18th - July 30th - All elements of the installation will be tested together to ensure each element is functioning with all the others harmoniously. The entire installation will be temporarily constructed in New York. Users will be invited to test the installation for durability, strength, and function. This experience should prove invaluable in the much harsher environment of La Playa.
August 15th- Each element of the installation will be gingerly packed. The crew members and I will drive west to La Playa.
August 27th - Drawing on the experience of setting-up the installation in New York, the crew will unpack and assemble each element and check them separately for functionality. The entire installation will be assembled and extensively tested. The structure will be secured and the computer will boot-up. The video will be projected and the fun begins!
August 27th to September 3rd - BURNING MAN!!! Users wil be invited to interact with the installation at all times although the most satisfying encounters will occur at night when the radiance of the embroidered screen is silhoutted against the dark desert sky. Because of the vast quantity and range of the video material, people who have already experienced the installation, will be able to interact with it again and walk away with entirely new and different ideas. Additionally, we will have a video camera with us and will be able to dynamically add content to the installation while at Burning Man. Most of the night I will standby the project to handle questions, comments, and any technical difficulties that arise. When I am away two members of my crew will always be present and trained to handle any problems. The open-ended possibilities for interacting with the piece will probably result in some surprises. The installation will be built in a robust simple fashion that will be sturdy enough to handle these surprises. Back-up supplies, footage, and supports will be on hand in case of more serious problems.
September 3rd - The crew and I will break down the installation, pack each separate element and return the installation to New York City.