Meet The Lights Witch | Light Projectionist/Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with The Lights Witch and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi The Lights Witch, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
From a young age I was drawn to music, the arts, and enjoyed creating. Over the years I have tried my hand at many different forms; painting, jewelry making, collaging, poetry, etc. I feel the most in tune with myself when I have some sort of creative outlet to express feelings through. The moment I began to dabble in visual art, I fell in love with it and knew that this was “the one” for me. Music has always been so integral to who I am as a person, but I was never musically inclined. This art form allowed me to integrate two of the things I enjoy most in life; art and music. The decision to pursue this path was easy because it felt so natural. It offered me the chance to creatively express myself while supporting the local music scene – something I am eternally grateful for.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a lights/visual artist that started out with liquid light projection, an art form that was used heavily in the 60s and 70s psychedelic music scene. My first setup consisted of an old overhead projector, two plates, and some liquids and dyes. I was pretty insistent on sticking to the analog methods they used back then, until I felt I had reached a limit in what I could do with it. Then began the perpetual evolution of my gear setup and techniques that continues to this day. Since then, I have incorporated cameras, mixers, crt tvs, vhs tapes, and other pieces of equipment that allow me to achieve a wider variety of styles. The one constant that remains throughout all the changes is my love for liquid light. I am determined to utilize that art form no matter what my process looks like at the time, it is something I take pride in. The biggest lesson I’ve learned along the way is improvisation and adaptability. Every venue is different and finding the most effective way to set up is often a challenge. I also perform alongside bands in a wide range of genres. Even the bands I work with frequently have different sets each time. I have learned how to synchronize my visuals with their music in a live setting and that is something which brings me joy and fulfillment. It means that each set you come out to see from these incredible local musicians is a unique experience. I think that also translated into an important lesson in life for me; learning to be fluid like the liquids and go with the flow, adapting in each moment based on what waves life throws your way.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Phoenix is such an incredibly diverse city, and what I love the most are the small businesses and local music. I would hope to bring them to a show or two of local bands, maybe at The Dirty Dummer, Valley Bar, Trunk Space or Rebel Lounge. I would take them out to dance alongside Djents spinning tunes at Bikini Lounge for 602sdays. I would show them my favorite spots along Roosevelt Row; Buds Glass Joint and Jobot. While we were downtown I would take them shopping for the best vintage clothes at Antique Sugar, and eat at two of my favorite places – Harumi Sushi and Crescent Ballroom.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I owe all of my success to those who have supported me in my progression as an artist. To the visual artists/mentors who have helped me level up in all kinds of ways; Analog Mannequin, Purdy Lites and Liquid Light Lab.
To the local musicians, DJs and bands who perpetually add me to their bills and encourage me to drench them in light and color while they perform; Realm, Sativan, Emby Alexander, Djents, Sun Brigade, Loserfur, Sunnyslope Bullets and countless more.
To the photographers/videographers who we can always count on to come out and document the evolution of what we do; Chel Hicks, Pure Devotion, and Airen Gashwarza.
And a special thanks to all of the locals who come out and show love and support when we put on shows. You are the reason we get to continue doing what we love.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.lights.witch?igsh=MXhwNnJndTFxNTNrdA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553353898757&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@the.lights.witch.visuals

Image Credits
Chel Hicks Jarrett Bennett Airen Gashwarza