Aaron Ristau

In my early years, with an aim to do my part in subverting obsolescence, I built light sculpture using a broad variety of reclaimed materials and components.

I experimented with a variety of incandescent, fluorescent, LED, and noble gas light sources. Along the way I acquired a few Geissler tubes. As I researched the tubes, I became increasingly fascinated by the technology and history of noble gas illumination.

This led me to Tony Greer who lived just 4 hours away in Lubbock, Texas. We became friends and over the years I watched, asked, and listened. From time to time, Tony made specific lighting elements for concepts I developed. Some of my early works concealed the light source, my approach now features illuminating elements fabricated in my own studio with glass tooling and noble gas pumping equipment I have cobbled from scratch.

All of this has developed into an inspirational creative process that I find ripe with complexity, experimentation, unpredictability and discovery.
A yester-year aesthetic, durable functionality and sound craftsmanship describe the sculptures that I am making—works that compel the viewer to interact, to ask questions, explore, and play.