Illumination Illusion Tips

The theme of the Illumination Illusion section for 2010 is: 'Float, Fly, Flow'. This uses the illusion of UV light to create garments that appear to float, fly or flow through space and levitate above the stage. We recommend this section as a fantastic way to start making WearableArt garments as a strong concept is often more important than intricate detail. 

BLACKLIGHT BLUE BULBS

There are two different types of blacklight bulbs: there is a standard UV blacklight and then there is a 'Blacklight Blue' bulb. It is this blacklight blue bulb that we use in the Show and that creates strong fluorescent reactions with different fabrics / materials.

A quick look on TradeMe discovered some of these lightbulbs designed to fit your regular light sockets and the advertising states: "Don't be fooled by blacklight bulbs that look like normal light bulbs and pretend to put out true uv light. They are just purple light bulbs and will not create the effect you are after."

A 2009 designer had these comments regarding Blacklight Blue: "I've tried Blacklight Blue (BLB ) incandescent globes (the conventional light globes) and found them pretty ineffectual. Fluorescent BLB tubes can be bought from lighting stores (usually not hardware stores), come in a range of lengths, and generally fit in standard fluorescent light fittings.

BLB lights are a dark purple which looks almost black. If you're given/shown one that is a lighter purple shade there's a fair chance it's not a BLB which means you'll get a lot of purple light but very little phosphorescence. BLB will keep a room very dark but items which phosphoresce will be little beacons of light... ideal for finding lint on your t-shirt and fluff/cotton on the floor!

In the non art world BLB is used for insect collection, hygiene checking, artwork/money authentication, glassware/gemstones, in night clubs, and for pets it's spotting urine stains on your carpet or fleas. The things you learn when looking at BLB!"

Suppliers:

  • CHRISTCHURCH: Lamp Specialists in Leeds St have true blacklight bulbs.
(Please let us know if you discover other suppliers around NZ that we should list here.)

BLACK UNDERGARMENTS 

Designers are asked to provide black undergarments for their Illumination Illusion garments and this is often a source of many questions to Wardrobe.

Although we much prefer all in one bodysuits (less pieces to keep track of), there are many solutions to this problem:

  • You can purchase a long sleeved black leotard and long black leggings from Farmers or The Warehouse. Alternatively, have a look in your local Op-Shops
  • If you wish to cover the head you can make a black lycra balaclava and make a large opening for the eyes which extends right across from one side of the face to the other and cover this with black mesh so the model still has a clear view. Alternatively, some designers have made hoods solely from black mesh
  • Black socks will cover the feet.
  • You can sew the hood / gloves / etc to the rest of the garment so there is less chance of wrists or necks being exposed or pieces becoming separated backstage
  • Another 2009 designer found free balaclava, bootie/sock etc patterns that may be useful for those designers willing to make them:

    Two piece Balaclava:
    [feralityillust.livejournal.com]

    Multi piece balaclava:
    [www.shelby.fi]

    Sock/bootie:
    [www.cedesign.com]

    free (general) clothes patterns including gloves, socks, hats:
    [www.angelfire.com]
  • TradeMe or eBay is also a useful place to purchase premade bodysuits.