Mike Gould, Laser Borealis
Mike Gould
Laser Borealis
2023
laser lumia
On view October 7-15, 2023
View the activated projections during pre-dawn events and evening events. Pre-dawn events will take place October 7-15 from 5 to 7 a.m. Evening events will take place October 7, 8, and 12-14 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Please note there will be no evening events on October 9, 10, 11, and 15.
Laser Borealis was commissioned for the Balloon Museum's activation of the Annular Eclipse on October 14, 2023.
In keeping with the theme of astronomy, Laser Borealis is a stylized depiction of Aurora Borealis made bilateral. The basis of this is called laser lumia; the distinctive patterning can only be achieved by shining a laser through a diffractive medium.
Laser Borealis is interactive, with visitors able to affect the intensity and movement of the projected lumia patterns by using a controller. In addition, visitors can hear AI-generated sounds and see laser patterns synchronized to the sounds, as interpreted by laser artist Mike Gould, who utilized solar weather inspired sounds provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This additional layer of laser art is titled Sun et Lumiere.
Mike Gould is a Michigan-based artist. He has been working with laser, electro-optic components and industrial design for many years. His artistic focus is concentrated on the interplay of art and technology, primarily the interaction between the audience and light. He is the principal designer/builder/artist with Illuminatus Lasers which presents laser art for thousands of people every year.
Illuminatus Lasers creates dynamic, interactive, customized laser displays for special community events, art/science/children's museum installations, trade shows, corporate events, and private parties. Mike Gould and Wayne Gillis started Illuminatus in the early seventies, building their first laser projector (The Interociter) around 1975. Illuminatus was originally a 60's style lightshow. "The intersection of art and technology is wonder."