Lucid Stead is a captivating art installation by American artist Philip K. Smith III, located in Joshua Tree, California. Created in 2013, it transforms a decaying 70-year-old homestead cabin into a mesmerizing piece of art. The installation explores themes of perception, time, and change.

Key Features of Lucid Stead

1. Mirrors and Reflections

Smith replaced parts of the cabin’s walls with mirrors, allowing the structure to seamlessly blend with the surrounding desert landscape during the day. As the mirrors reflect the sky, mountains, rocks, and landscape, the cabin appears to dissolve into the environment. Art critic Laura Harris notes, “The use of mirrors in Lucid Stead creates an almost magical fusion with the landscape, making the cabin both a part of and apart from its surroundings.”

2. Light Installations

At night, Lucid Stead takes on a new life through colored LED lights within the cabin’s windows and doors. The lights transition through shades of blue, red, yellow, and white, creating a dreamlike experience.

According to lighting designer David Gomez, “The dynamic light sequences not only highlight the architectural form but also evoke a sense of fluidity and change, enhancing the immersive quality of the installation.”

3. Interaction with the Environment

The installation evolves throughout the day, responding to the movement of the sun and the changing light in the desert. This interaction between the static structure and the dynamic environment creates a contemplative contrast between permanence and impermanence.

Artist’s Vision

Philip K. Smith III described Lucid Stead as an exploration of “light, reflection, and change.” He intended to create an artwork that would encourage viewers to reflect on how they experience the passage of time and their surroundings.