About Clock Phase Liquid Lights
Meet the Mind Behind ClockPhase
My name is ClockPhase (Andrew).
I'd like to introduce myself and elaborate my visual project. I’m a New Orleans based artist, and my main priority is centered around live music and community scene building. Over time I’ve curated a collection of equipment and knowledge of this equipment to create a live analog/digital projection blend using classic liquid light techniques passed through the community by pioneers of the craft, designed to bring a familiar and notable element to live music settings.
A Luminous Past Present & Future
Let’s start with some history. This idea came to fruition in the fresh 1960s. Haight Ashbury hadnt quite formed a psych scene yet and beatniks were still the standard for counterculture. Those who were practicing this art form were doing so in small coffee shops and art galleries. Two men named Bill Ham and Elias Romero (Light Sound Dimension) started incorporating this into the up and coming rock and roll scene, using liquid lights as a foundation to turn certain bars (such as the Red Dog Saloon, virginia City NV) into established “rock halls”. High wattage stage lighting wasn’t around yet so these liquid light shows WERE the stage lighting. This marks beginning of everything we know in the world of stage production and soon to follow were, Haight Ashbury, hippies, psychedelia, and a whole new realm of counterculture.
Lets fast forward to the 80s where this art form along with psych in general are approaching a dark age. The main factor in liquids not being viable in these times is the advancement of stage and spot lighting. Overhead projectors couldn’t compete with high output beams and rock and roll concerts were moving to large stadiums that weren’t suited for small projectors. Another factor of the times is the fact that disco was emerging on the scene. Rock fans have Historically held animosity towards disco mainly due to rock halls being suddenly occupied by a demographic that they seemingly can’t openly pinpoint their distaste for. Alot of old heads claimed they just can’t stand the “music” So they effectively boycotted a whole decade or so.
One more fast forward to now-ish. The spark of a technological age has brought this to new realms. Most overheads still can’t compete with modern stage design, but now we have digital video projectors that can substantially cut through most high volume stadiums and production methods. A modern approach using cameras to capture live movement, rather than overhead mirrors, opens floodgates of opportunity. Innovators in this community have continuously pushed the boundaries of this art form In ways that will continue to flourish.
The Future of Liquid Lights
I believe we have technologically reached an oasis of possibilities. By having digital Vj software at our fingertips we can create a psychedelic blend of nostalgia with a modern touch of visual aesthetic. One of the softwares I use (Resolume) allows me to mix in clips with live video and enables me to add effects such as mirroring and video feedback. I strive to learn more from each show to make a fluid, real-time projection art installment, evolving with technology and music to captivate audiences and elevate the overall experience.
Building Expertise Through Experience
I've had the incredible opportunity to work with some fantastic bands, artists and venues, always aiming to make each show unforgettable. I owe that to the local New Orleans music and art scene. I'm passionate about creating a visual narrative that resonates with the music and enhances the scene altogether. I will never stop learning and growing. I hope to see you at a lightshow.