Reflections on Time

Minimalist light-based sculptures blended with new technologies by artist Phillip K. Smith, III

February 13, 2014

Laura Beausire,

Lucid Stead
Philip K. Smith, III
Mirror, LED lighting, custom-built and programmed electronics, pre-existing structure
Joshua Tree, CA
royaleprojects.com/lucid-stead

THE ARTIST: Phillip K. Smith, III

BEST KNOWN FOR: Minimalist light-based sculptures blended with new technologies.

INSPIRATION: Smith owned and frequently visited this five-acre property and its 1940s-era homesteader shack for nine years before the concept became clear. “The idea had been slowly brewing,” he explains.“‘Lucid Stead’ is about tapping into the quiet and the pace of change of the desert. When you slow down and align yourself with the desert, the project begins to unfold before you. It reveals that it is about light and shadow, reflected light, projected light and change.”

THE AWARENESS OF TIME: "The project has really been a collaboration with the 70-year-old structure," Smith says. "the splitting wood, the bent nails, the dimensions of the openings are all untouched." The artwork itself changes continuously, responding to the sun's rays throughout the day. At night, it's illuminated by projected light that turns the windows and door into rectangular fields of slow-shifting color.

FUTURE PLANS: Smith hasn't exhausted his fascination yet. He's considering other site-specific installations in the spirit of "Lucid Stead." "Ultimately, I am interested in furthering the concepts of 'Lucid Stead' via the specifics of new locations across the globe."