Steve Pavlovsky is the mastermind behind Liquid Light Lab in New York City. He gets his ideas from the city’s mix of cultures. He mixes liquid projection and other arts to honor the old Psychedelic Light Shows. His work is part of the trippy art scene and tries to take people to magical places.
Steve wants his art to make people feel things and connect. To do this, he plays with light, music, and nature. He does live shows, installations, and other projects to tell stories in new ways and bring people together.
In this context, we will explore his journey as a visual artist. We will see how he started and how his work fits the trippy art scene. He aims to take audiences to enchanting realms and foster emotional connections.
What is your project’s name?
My project is called Liquid Light Lab. My work’s core is its title, combining liquid projection and experimental media. Handmade organic elements are also part of this core. Liquid Light Lab pays homage to the Psychedelic Light Shows of the 1960s while bringing fresh innovation to modern visual art.
Which country are you from?
I come from the United States, specifically the lively and vibrant city of New York. New York City is known for its diverse culture and innovative art. It is a rich and stimulating place for creativity. The city’s energy and eclectic influences significantly shape my artistic vision and practices.
Being in New York City means many artists, musicians, and creative folks surround me. This helps me keep learning and getting inspired, which makes my work evolve. The city’s fast-paced and always-changing scene also pushes me to stay up-to-date with trends and keep pushing the limits of my art.
How did your journey as a visual artist start?
I started my journey as a visual artist because I was curious about light and what it can do. At first, I played around with liquid projections and old-school visuals because I liked getting my hands dirty with them. These early experiments helped me create my style, mixing old psychedelic vibes with new tricks.
As I got better at what I did, I teamed up with musicians and performed live shows to share my work. These gigs allowed me to show off what I could do and learn even more. They also showed me how influential visual art can be for people. This journey has turned into my job, where I’m always trying to do new and exciting things with light and visuals.
Which scene are you most associated with?
I’m deeply involved in the psychedelic and experimental visual arts scene. It’s all about being creative and mixing art, music, and tech to make mind-blowing experiences. My stuff, which usually includes live shows, music festivals, and superb interactive setups, fits right into this lively crowd.
The 1960s light shows inspire my trippy visuals, but I always add new twists. Being part of this scene lets me connect with other artists and fans who love mixing visuals and music. It all helps me improve and add my spin to the psychedelic art world.
Describe your vision when creating visuals.
When I make visuals, I want to take people on a journey somewhere magical and spiritual. I aim to use images that touch people’s emotions, making them feel amazed, inspired, and connected. Playing with light and time, I create experiences that stick with the audience.
I’m all about exploring how music, nature, and our feelings connect. I use old-school methods and natural stuff to make visuals that aren’t just nice to look at but also really say something. The aim is to create a visual experience that goes hand in hand with the music, giving the audience a complete sensory adventure.
What inspired you to become a visual artist? How do you stay creatively inspired?
I’ve always been fascinated by light and how it can change things. Artists like Kandinsky, Thomas Wilfred, and The Joshua Light Show taught me to mix light. They showed me how to mix light with color and motion to make unique experiences. They inspired me to become a visual artist and explore the world of visual music and experimental art.
To keep my creative juices flowing, I’m always trying out new tricks and teaming up with other artists and musicians. Working together like this keeps my mind open to fresh ideas and ensures my work stays exciting and changing. Plus, spending time in nature, going to arty stuff and keeping up with new technology all help keep my creative energy up.
Which types of projects have you worked on?
I do many things in my work, like live shows, setting up cool stuff, and trying out new ideas. I mainly make liquid light shows and old-school visuals as a light artist. Liquid Light Lab, my project, is famous for using liquid projections, trying new media, and adding natural touches. These ideas come from the trippy light shows of the 1960s, but I give them a modern twist to make them grab people’s attention.
I’ve teamed up on loads of big projects and events. I’ve done live visuals at the Fels Planetarium in Philadelphia. I helped create audiovisual shows like LIQUIDVERSE. It was shown in Cosm’s high-quality dome theatres. I also do workshops on liquid light shows and old-school visuals, where I pass on what I know to other artists and fans. It’s all about building a community where creativity and new ideas thrive.
Can you share your portfolio and highlight a project you’re proud of?
I’ve worked on big shows like “The Offer” on Paramount+ and “Atlanta” on FX, plus I’ve done live stuff with Nick Mason from Pink Floyd. One project I’m proud of is LIQUIDVERSE, a big audiovisual thing I did with ComposerNYC. It was shown in Cosm’s excellent dome theatres. It was tough to do because of their size and tech. But, with careful planning and teamwork, we made it happen.
How do you approach a new visual project?
When I start a new visual project, I think hard about how I want it to feel and look. I do lots of research and sketch out some early ideas. Then, I try different ways to make it, tweaking things based on how they turn out and what people say until I get it right.
How did you come up with your product ideas?
I developed product ideas because I love making cool, light art and trippy visuals. The wild light inspired me by shows from the 1960s and by artists like Kandinsky and Thomas Wilfred. I aimed to make stuff that goes well with the crazy experiences I offer at Liquid Light Lab. I used liquid projections, experimental stuff, and natural materials. I made the materials by hand to give fans tools for making their visuals. Check out what we’ve got at LiquidLightShop.com
Describe your artistic style and preferred mediums.
My art style mixes psychedelic and experimental stuff, much like the trippy light shows from the 1960s. I like using liquid projections, old projectors, color wheels, and slides from long ago. These tools help me make excellent, flowing visuals that uniquely play with light, creating an extraordinary sensory experience.
What design software and tools do you use?
I use a mix of old-school teaching tools, like overhead projectors and modern computer programs, for editing videos and making animations. Apps like GoVJ are essential for what I do. I’m constantly checking the latest software updates to keep up with the latest in design and tech. I also go to workshops and chat with other artists online.
Describe your experience working with promoters or team members who don’t have a design background.
Working with promoters or team members who need to get into design can be challenging but also really cool. Talking is super important, so I use pictures and examples to explain my ideas. Being patient and working together helps us get on the same page and make the project awesome.
Have you ever had to compromise on your creative vision due to client preferences or constraints?
Yeah, sometimes I’ve had to change my ideas because of what the client wants or because of limits. When that happens, I find a middle ground between what I want to do and what they need. Talking openly and suggesting other ideas helps us find a solution that works for both of us without losing the heart of my work.
What themes or subjects often appear in your artwork?
My art often includes pieces about nature, music, and spirituality. I want people to feel amazed and connected when they see my work, like they’re experiencing the magic of light and motion. My visuals are all about making you feel and think so you can appreciate how art and life come together.
Do you have experience with multimedia design, including video editing or animation?
Sure, I know a lot about multimedia design, like editing videos and making animations. What makes today’s visual art different from the old is how it mixes with technology and lets people interact. With modern tools, art can be way more exciting and pull you into the experience like never before.
What advice would you give aspiring visual artists looking to enter the electronic music scene?
You’re a new visual artist who wants to enter the electronic music scene. Here’s some advice: Build a great portfolio showing what makes you unique. Go to events, work with musicians, and get involved. Keep trying new stuff, stay curious, and never stop learning. Remember, the journey is just as remarkable as reaching your goal.
Where can people find more information about your work?
You can get in touch with me by emailing [email protected]. I’m keen to hear from you about questions or project ideas. You can also check out my YouTube channel, where I’ve got tutorials and demos of my liquid light shows. I’m also on social media, so follow me for updates:
