PAINTING WITH LIGHT.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 April 1923, Page 4

PAINTING WITH LIGHT.

Dr M. l.iK-kicsh. Oi rector of Applied Science in the Ncla i’eseardi Laboratories, Anti-in,-d Lump Works of the General Electric Company, ail authority on decorative lighting of homes, declares that light is a powerful and vital factor in influencing the mood or expression of a room, adding that a purely decorative use of light is as justifiable as any other ornamentation. ‘‘The charm of coloured light in residence lighting i-. real potential," lie said, in a recent statement. The possibilities of (ohmr-'d light extend beyond those of colour in decoration, 'i Ik same colour harmonies may be obtained but the superior advantages of a mobile medium such as light are obvious. “Coloured light may he used for its exprrs°ive value or for its jych.ological ell'eet. Light io live - it'i should la- ’.inted so that the colour is felt rather limn seen ; that is. t should provide atmosphere without forcing it sell upon one as a colour. “Colour is in light, but not in objects. so that by controlling the colour ol the light a powerful influence is available. A room may be cold, excitin... 11— nijuilisilig. hy virtue of the colour ci tin* hght. ‘•The dl ; ributloli of light of different lints may la controlled. Warm lighr may he difl-a-d upward and about tin- roam from a tinted shade or from tinted lamps. Cold or unaltered light may be directed downward. 1 u [act. a vast variety of lighting ellects may he produced in a room with a fixed decorative scheme. “Some fixtures should produce light from a purely decorative standpoint. Wall brackets should he used us hits of ornamentation—bright spots oi light.t and colour. The light sources used in them should he small and they should be equipped with dense decorative shades. From davenport lamps, light lor reading or sewing is produced and Ihc shades should he so constructed that they conceal the light sources. From candlesticks ■equipped with tinted lamps and colourlui shades, spots ol light and colour are pninlrd. i ‘-Antiques, such as old Chinese laiij terns and interesting lighting unmI n -i ... li lia-y are wired and equipped i with flashlight lamps and small trams- ; formers so they produce just a tiny I spark, they are unusual and unique doj (orations. Lighting ornaments such as j ton he res are very ell' -c■ t i v-.' and ex- | pre.-wive in producing colour and light j as decorations. i i -‘All the-e are ornaments even when ; iiiilighted. but with the addition oi ■ ibis bright spark they leap into bo- ! (liul many times more iiitors-st-ing. AH fixtures should he artistic !>eeaii.sc they are visible. However, l: "“ lighting effects which they produce are I ... aid- importance than the tippcttr- : nnro of the fixture itsell." | Dr Luekiesh upholds (he use ol h>- ! calised lighting as distinguished from- : general lighting .supplied hy a. ceiling ! fixture, for all except unusual occasions i'l the l.ome. He contends that it cau- | mu lie enjoyable to live for hours under I, verintble flood of light, and urges portable lamps as more desirable than i . iling lixlores for ihis reasoti.