Visual art is always an interpretation of light and its reflection.
Even a black canvas in a black room with a black frame is a work that uses the absence of light and light reflecting mediums to make a statement.
Picture frame lighting and art light work to bring out the best of the artists vision.
LED picture light is also designed to bring out the artists vision.
But since the dawn of artificial light artists have been turning the source of illumination into the art form.
Artists are no longer just using the shadows and highlighted areas to create an image; they are using light in innovative ways as the medium itself.
While this is not a new phenomenon, it has been taken to new extremes as the ability to create and manipulate lights continues to advance.
Since the first embers broke into flame in the caves of early humanity, light became an artistic medium.
Shadow plays were no doubt thrown up on the wall to entertain the Neanderthals waiting for the storm to pass or the saber tooth tiger to leave his perch above the entrance.
As civilization developed new uses of light for art developed.
Shadow puppets became intricate paper cut outs casting elaborate images on a sheet or wall.
Stained glassed windows used light to create beautiful scenes for churches.
Buildings were constructed to use the orientation of the sun to create intricate shadow mosaics.
With the introduction of artificial light, art took a dramatic turn.
The most dramatic advance was in motion pictures.
The cinematographer painted the images with light.
Once caught on film, projectors shoot light through the film and put the images on the screen.
It was simply a more intricate shadow play from an earlier time.
Light was still treated mainly as a tool to create or enhance art.
As lighting became more sophisticated, its use in art also developed.
Artist began finding ways to work with light where the medium was light itself.
Sculptures were built using light as the focal point.
Photographers stood in the dark holding colored lights and waving them in front of the camera to create ethereal images that could only be seen on the film itself, the very act of creation as fleeting as time.
Fiber optic brought a new artistic tool into play.
Artists found ways to use fiber optics to create sculptures, paintings, and photographs that glimmered with light.
Neon art has spawned many artists and even museums dedicated to neon art.
Light has enchanted artist and layperson.
While artists are finding ways to create fantastic pieces the capture the imagination and light up the night, the average citizen is also finding expressive uses for light.
Every holiday thousands of neighborhoods across the country transform into sparkling wonderlands of light.
Trees are adorned with strings of twinkling lights.
Houses are wrapped in dripping icicles of light.
If the dog did not move it would be covered in twinkle lights.
People love using light for art and as art.