a dance of light

part 1: light from darkness

A Dance of Light is a six-part collaborative project by Lisa DeLong, Nicole Pinnell, and James Goldberg. This project, created in a time of darkness, weaves together visual art, music, and poetry in a shared meditation on light. Starting on the 2020 Winter Solstice, we’ll be releasing one part each Monday.

A tabernacle for the sun

by Lisa DeLong

Gold leaf and ink with handmade earth and carbon watercolour on marbled paper.

Inspiration drawn from Psalm 19.

Light from darkness

composed and performed by Nicole Pinnell

Light from Darkness is a meditation on 3 Nephi, chapter 19. It is written for cello, in F Lydian, the mode that has a sharp four in its scale. The tempo is 108 beats per minute. The pizzicato accompaniment alternates between the harmonies I7 and V7.

Recorded and mixed by Stoker White at Funk Studios in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Traces of light

by James Goldberg

“I will prepare unto my servant Gazelem, a stone, which shall shine forth in darkness unto light…” (Alma 37:23)

Wherever you turn, you’ll see traces of light.
If you know how to read, watch the shapes in their dance.
See what they write? Gaze in their depths to reach the height.

Each evening, day opens the scroll of night
to reveal what’s engraved on heaven’s expanse
Wherever you turn, you’ll see traces of light.

Time’s own secrets are broadcast bright:
in the spinning of stars, divine seasons advance.
See what they write? Gaze in their depths to reach the height.

Sense the motion above. Close your eyes tight. 
Let the music of spheres send you off in a trance.
Wherever you turn, you’ll see traces of light.

Morning dawns gold as ore, then burns white,
knowing fires refine with each piercing glance.
See what they write? Gaze in their depths to reach the height.

Forged clear as glass in a sacred rite.
You know how to read. Watch eternity’s dance.
Wherever you turn, you’ll see traces of light.
See what they write: gaze in their depths to reach the height.