In the mesmerizing stop-motion animation “Shredding Light,” artist Darren Pearson brings neon-colored skeletons to life as they perform skateboarding tricks against the night backdrop. Each frame is meticulously crafted using long-exposure light painting, resulting in a seamless and radiant visual spectacle.
The Art of Light Painting
Light painting is a photographic technique where exposures are made by moving a light source or by moving the camera. In “Shredding Light,” Pearson employs this method to create luminous skeletons that appear to move fluidly across various terrains. The process involves capturing hundreds of long-exposure photographs, each featuring a skeleton in a different pose or position. These images are then sequenced to produce the illusion of motion, akin to traditional animation techniques.
Creating such an animation is both time-consuming and labor-intensive. Each frame requires precise planning and execution to ensure continuity and fluidity in the final product. Pearson’s dedication to his craft is evident in the smooth transitions and lifelike movements of the skeletal figures. For those interested in the intricacies of light painting, Pearson has provided a concise tutorial that offers insights into his creative process.
