completion of lightlab cpd programme
I recently completed the Lightlab programme with Light up the North and Lightpool. It’s been an absolutely brilliant entry into the light art world, and has really inspired me to keep experimenting with how/if I can translate my paper-based cyanotype work into a light art environment (and how to do that in an ecologically sound way). The most beneficial element of the whole programme was meeting the other artists and creative practitioners taking part – it’s opened up a whole new network of contacts and led to some potential exciting future collaborations.
My light art creative practice falls into two areas:
1) Use of cyanotype animation, including in micro and unexpected places
2) My ‘light you can feel’ concept developed during Lightlab, which involves building a cyanotype light artwork designed and developed with and for blind and visually impaired audiences.
Here’s a flavour of what I got up to on the programme (both during the core programme and the successful R&D follow up award of £1500 which six of the original artists were given based on their pitches):
Visits to Lightpool, Wigan Light Nights and Durham Lumiere. These followed our Lightlab group workshop sessions.
Desk research and thinking time - how cyanotype has/hasn't been used in light art festival environments; potential accessibility / tech accessibility through blind/visually impaired advisory sites (solutions/otherwise); tactile interpretation; multi sensory integration; programming; sound; animation; holograms; thinking time spent to consider how my alternative process work could translate and whether this is analogue/digital.; thinking about what I do and don't want this to be.
Joined the Lightwaves Artist CPD development programme (including guided visit by producer Ryan of the artworks).
Studio time - prototyping different materials for cyanotypes to think more analogue around the light you can feel concept, including textiles.
Session in-person with TramShed Theatre Company to discuss sensory needs (broader sense, not just blind people) and how these could potentially align or be incorporated into light artwork concept (smell, sound, touch, taste etc).
Session online with artist Ronan Devlin to discuss and shape ideas.
Online consultation with Sight Loss Council, Manchester – it was great to meet the engagement manager responsible for developing access for arts and culture in GM. Their volunteers are keen to get involved so watch this space!
Visit to Material Source to meet Elisa Artesero with fellow GRIT studio holder and Lightlabber Caroline Daly, discussion of light art festival challenges, our concepts and review of CNC materials and samples.
Mentoring with Liz West.
Meeting with George Harris to talk about Light Up Lancaster and potential fit of my work.
Go-see to Beyond the Visual (Henry Moore Institute), an amazing multisensory sculpture exhibition curated with and for blind/partially blind people, focusing on touch, sound, and smell.
Meeting with Overcliff Media to talk through my ideas.
In terms of what’s next for me:
I’m going to seek funding to prototype some tactile ideas I’ve had for presenting cyanotypes. I’m considering different local fabricators that are most suitable to work with on this.
I’m meeting back up with members of the group up in the northeast to continue sharing ideas and update on our projects.
I’m continuing to develop cyanotype animations and complete my current piece which could be pitched in for light art festivals soon.
I'm going to set up meetings with other light art producers to talk about cyanotype animation and festivals in 2026 and 2027.
Overall, the biggest benefits for me have been:
A renewed commitment to the materiality of my cyanotype practice.
Confidence that cyanotype can be translated into a light art environment.
Thinking more confidently about how it doesn't have to be about the 'spectacle'.
New ideas about what my 'light you can feel' concept could be.
New contact list and connections, including the Sight Loss Council who will be key for consultation and prototyping.
Encouragement from blind users that the overall concept of 'light you can feel' is worthwhile, and is good enough (much needed, and appreciated).
Confidence that accessibility should simply be built in (by everyone) not just in one artwork - without dumbing down.
New ideas aside from my light you can feel concept (based on cyanotype animations and micro work).
If you’re curious about light art and think you might benefit from support in developing your ideas further (and questioning whether this artform is for you) I’d recommend taking part and looking out for next year’s programme. Thank you Light up the North!
Video credit below: clip from current cyanotype animation WIP. Soundtrack by Pyramid Eyes.