Artist Statement: Lightboxes, 2008
These lightboxes are constructed over time, in several steps. A pattern is drawn, then used as a template for poking holes through the back of mirror board, a cardstock with a reflective, metallic surface. The holes are made using a sharp, thin sculpture tool, like a stylus. The holes are then colored using small pieces of colored light gels, attached to the back of the mirror board. The gels are a see-through plastic material generally used for lighting in theatrical settings. A small swatch book of these gels is enough to give me a wide palette for dozens of boxes, though sometimes large sheets are purchased of colors that are particularly useful.
The cardstock, now with holes and gels attached, is placed into a shadowbox and lights are placed in the box. The light pierces only the holes, and the colored gels work their magic. The end result is at once "high tech" in appearance, but quite modest in the materials used to achieve this.
The influences and inspirations for this work have been numerous over the years, as I developed this lightbox technique. I spent years studying classical art, and pursuing painting and drawing in all its forms. At the same time, I was drawn to forms of visual entertainment that are all but irresistible to the human eye: fireworks, optical illusions, blacklight posters, and Christmas light displays. I stopped painting during the end of my academic studies, and began making lightboxes using photographs I had taken and manipulated. Within a few years, with a new interest in spirituality and art's ability to inspire beyond simple aesthetics, I began the patterns of holes, and the method of coloring those patterns.
The painstaking process of poking the patterns of holes and coloring the patterns with tiny pieces of light gels requires more concentration and devotion than anything I've ever attempted, with art or in life. It provides me with a form of meditation that I hope the viewer can share in when viewing the work. The patterns themselves aim to place the viewer in a trance-like state, where they might find a moment of peace, and a renewed sense of connection with themselves and their surroundings. My goals are simple in making these lightboxes, even if the process is labor-intensive and complicated.
-Matthew Shelton
People are welcome to get in touch with me if they are interested in buying something, or are interested in commissioning a piece. All boxes are guaranteed, and repairs are generally done for free, should the box ever experience problems. Prices generally run $100-500 for a box, depending on size, materials, and detail.
Links:
http://www.myspace.com/msheltonmusic
http://www.youtube.com/flexyourlovemuscles
Contact: meorthemoon@hotmail.com
Videos about the lightboxes:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQAM9U3P7e8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GagiHN4fo0
These lightboxes are constructed over time, in several steps. A pattern is drawn, then used as a template for poking holes through the back of mirror board, a cardstock with a reflective, metallic surface. The holes are made using a sharp, thin sculpture tool, like a stylus. The holes are then colored using small pieces of colored light gels, attached to the back of the mirror board. The gels are a see-through plastic material generally used for lighting in theatrical settings. A small swatch book of these gels is enough to give me a wide palette for dozens of boxes, though sometimes large sheets are purchased of colors that are particularly useful.
The cardstock, now with holes and gels attached, is placed into a shadowbox and lights are placed in the box. The light pierces only the holes, and the colored gels work their magic. The end result is at once "high tech" in appearance, but quite modest in the materials used to achieve this.
The influences and inspirations for this work have been numerous over the years, as I developed this lightbox technique. I spent years studying classical art, and pursuing painting and drawing in all its forms. At the same time, I was drawn to forms of visual entertainment that are all but irresistible to the human eye: fireworks, optical illusions, blacklight posters, and Christmas light displays. I stopped painting during the end of my academic studies, and began making lightboxes using photographs I had taken and manipulated. Within a few years, with a new interest in spirituality and art's ability to inspire beyond simple aesthetics, I began the patterns of holes, and the method of coloring those patterns.
The painstaking process of poking the patterns of holes and coloring the patterns with tiny pieces of light gels requires more concentration and devotion than anything I've ever attempted, with art or in life. It provides me with a form of meditation that I hope the viewer can share in when viewing the work. The patterns themselves aim to place the viewer in a trance-like state, where they might find a moment of peace, and a renewed sense of connection with themselves and their surroundings. My goals are simple in making these lightboxes, even if the process is labor-intensive and complicated.
-Matthew Shelton
People are welcome to get in touch with me if they are interested in buying something, or are interested in commissioning a piece. All boxes are guaranteed, and repairs are generally done for free, should the box ever experience problems. Prices generally run $100-500 for a box, depending on size, materials, and detail.
Links:
http://www.myspace.com/msheltonmusic
http://www.youtube.com/flexyourlovemuscles
Contact: meorthemoon@hotmail.com
Videos about the lightboxes:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQAM9U3P7e8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GagiHN4fo0
