Meet Brian Goodwin | Founder, LUX | LUMN

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brian Goodwin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brian, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
When it comes to projection mapping, most people are unaware of the complexity and intricacies involved in creating these visual experiences. Many people might think it’s as simple as pointing any projector at a surface and displaying an image or video, but there’s a lot more to it.

Besides the technical aspects involved in picking the right projectors for an installation, understanding the how the built and natural environment will impact the installation can make the difference between something memorable and an underwhelming display.

A great projection mapping installation will seem simple and magical, but a lot of meticulous thought and planning went into that moment.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Projection mapping allows me to create unexpected, magical experiences from the everyday spaces we share.

Think about the spaces you move through everyday. Regardless of how interesting a space or fixture is, with enough time it becomes invisible. Now imagine that you are passing by that space one night and it’s different. It’s illuminated, in motion, enchanted. Even though that moment may be temporary, you’ll never look at that space the same way again. Every time you pass through it, you’ll tell yourself, or others, the story of the night when it came alive.

I do struggle with the fear that observers will respond with disgust instead of wonder. I am, very literally, projecting my vision upon a space that might be very familiar, or even sacred, to them. I don’t believe that worry will ever change, but the more I take a risk and select ever more public spaces to project upon, the more I encounter curiosity. Sometimes it’s curiosity about why I chose this space and this night. Sometimes it’s curiosity about how it all works, Sometimes, it’s just silent curiosity. Which, if I were to be honest, is my favorite type. As I watch a onlooker stare at my art, wordlessly eye-tracing the light as it moves around the surface, I like to believe they will be the ones to remember this moment the most.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’ve lived in several communities throughout San Diego over the years. Each place represents a different chapter. in my life. In this chapter, my favorite places are the north county coastal regions, like Encinitas, Leucadia and Carlsbad. While I do recommend visiting these spots to many who visit San Diego, I won’t claim they are the most interesting or exciting parts of the city. They are certainly where I feel the most at home and peaceful.

I recently did an installation in North Park, and was impressed on how vibrant it has become. There are so many interesting and diverse spaces in that community, and I kept discovering potential canvases for projection mapping. I plan on returning there for some impromptu street art.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My wife, my partner, my best friend. Our shared belief in each other’s dreams is what brought us together, and continues gives me fuel to take risks and keep trying to make art from light.

Website: https://luxlumn.com

Instagram: @lux.lumn

Image Credits
Brian Goodwin