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  • Writer's pictureCKCooper

How to light a Shadow Sculpture

Updated: Feb 25, 2023

The sculptures are created in a studio where the light source is 12 feet away from the wall that the shadows from the sculptures are projected onto. I use track lighting mounted at ceiling height (8 feet) and it projects the shadow onto the center of the sculpture, which is typically mounted on a base that is 36 inches tall.


In order to light the sculpture to see the shadow that I most intended, position the light fixture 10-15 feet away from the sculpture and around 3-4 feet higher than the sculpture pointed directly at the center of the piece.


The other method is to move the light around, using a flashlight, until you find the angle that YOU most enjoy. Then mount the light fixture there.


The light needs to be a powerful spotlight, single source, so only one diode on an LED.


The fixture that I am using now is Ajbvp 3-Color LED Track Lighting Heads 12W Dimmable, Adjustable Beam Degree 15°/24°/36°/45°/60°,3CCT/3000K/4000K/6000K,H Track Light Ceiling Fixtures Art Lighting,CRI90(Black) https://a.co/d/3q8g75J


Depending on the height of your ceiling, you could mount the light on the ceiling or on the wall. Alternately we have found a lamp that makes incredible shadows which works well placed on the top of a bookcase or other tall structure. https://a.co/d/9vge7ds

The shadow should be clear and dark with a minimum of distortion.

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