With the bright lights of Art in the Dark set to illuminate Ponsonby’s Western Park from this Thursday (November 7th), three emerging New Zealand designers will be vying for the general public’s vote to earn the right to be called the 2013 University Design Comp winner.  If you’re attending the festival, take a minute to vote for your favourite installation from the line-up.  The designer with the most votes will receive a Phillips prize pack to the value of $1000 and will also be named the winner – so make sure you vote!

Brittany Myburgh is one of the three emerging designers.  She was selected as a finalist with her piece ULTRA and she’ll be exhibiting her work alongside 40 other works from some of the most innovating designers from New Zealand and overseas. We had  quick chat with Brittany to find out more about her and her work.

Is this your first year being involved with Art in the Dark?

This is my first year participating as an artist, but I have attended Art in the Dark  for the last three years and I am a huge fan of the event! It is amazing to actually be a part of it all.

Tell me more about your installation for Art in the Dark?

My installation is an extension of the uni work I have been doing this year, and uses ultra violet light and highly reflective elastic. The three trees along the pathway of my site are situated in a triangular shape, so I used the trees as points to create two intersecting triangles which form a more complex geometric shape. Viewers are able to walk underneath and through the shapes which have been created, allowing them to experience the lines of glowing blue light up close.

Is this your first time being involved with such a festival or are you a regular on the New Zealand art scene?

Although I have been in a few exhibitions, this is the first time I have been able to exhibit a light work. Light art has always been my passion and Art in the Dark is therefore the perfect event to exhibit in!

How would you describe yourself as an artist?

I’m still developing my personal style but I do know I’m heavily influenced by Minimalism and the California Light and Space movement. It is really challenging to find ways to explore light and use light as a material but also very rewarding to be able to investigate light, vision and spatial perception. I think I will always be fascinated by the beauty of light and try to incorporate it into my work.

What’s next for you after Art in the Dark?

After Art in the Dark I’ll be working on my final submission for my BFA and then preparing for the Elam graduate show (which is open to all on November 30th and December 1st for those interested!). Next year I’m hoping to find a way to combine my interest in light with my interest in design and perhaps get an internship with a design company. My long term goal is to travel, exhibit and complete a masters degree.