In 1986, Don Seiden, Professor at the Art Institute of Chicago, had high respect for Marlene Krueger to pursue her lifelong aspiration. Marlene had always envisioned a future where people of all ages can engage in a simple gesture with light. This innovative approach sought to assist at-risk individuals in externalizing overwhelming emotions, processing trauma in a secure and non-threatening environment, and enhancing their self-assurance.
Marlene Develops a Prototype
“Throughout my life, I’ve had an aspiration to develop a device that harnesses the therapeutic properties of light.”Growing up in a ranch, I cherished roaming free outdoors. One day, I walked along a stream meandering through rows of translucent sweet peas.
When the peas were illuminated by the stream and bright sun rays, it was calming. I experienced a transformation, with each passing second as the water glistened and the pods glowed. These captivating stream of light was enlightening.
As I picked up one of the translucent pods, and bent it, a source of light beamed — as if reassuring me. A profound connection with nature enveloped me, and the pain I had experienced earlier seemed to dissipate. Since that moment, I’ve been driven by an unwavering desire to recreate that unique experience.”
Light Therapy
Light therapy involves using light with a touch of a hand. There’s a sense of joy that ease anxiety and help the nervous system. According to one student, “watching light in motion is a wonderful way for anyone to express overwhelming feelings, boost confidence, and work through trauma without having to talk about it. It’s a safe and non-threatening way for treatment”.
Projecting With Light
A collaborative experience where students watch light patterns that shines through a light device. Here students carefully placed their iridescent work in the central device, that create light with motion.
A Universal Language of Light and Motion
“The atmosphere in my rooms were always filled with life. Children would be brimming with light whenever I enter the room. To me this project has a universal language of light and motion, sharing auditory, and narrative elements to establish connections.”
The therapy acts as a mirror to our internal human state, that involves empathy, triggering dopamine-driven pleasure, that provide a type of non-evasive way of healing from complex issues, with emotions such as sorrow and fear
