On Friday, Jervis Bay and Basin Art invited members of the community to join the renowned artist in creating a public artwork event Cirque De See.

With a run-down on how to create a perfect orb-shape using a string with “a cluster of Christmas lights” attached to the end, 75 people created a magical light effect only captured by the long-exposure of Solness’s camera.  

Solness said it was an abstract form of art as the end result couldn’t be seen as it was happening in front of you.

“It requires physical participation to be a part of the work and it gives everyone involved a sense of ownership and puts a bit of magic into each picture,” he said.

“They are part of the process and are really proud of their orb they create, and they point out which one is theirs.

“By doing this I’ve been able to let my imagination run wild.”

One of Solness’s most recent public art works was his field of lights which took place at Centennial Park in Sydney.

“I dabbled in it [light painting] for a long time, but I only got serious about seven years ago,” he said.

“I used to be a photo journalist for the Sydney Morning Herald in the ’80s and it was about eight years ago I realised I had a need to reinvent myself.”

Solness said to create an orb does take instruction on his part and coordination on the spinners behalf.

“It takes a while to get the rhythm going but it is relatively simple,” he said.

“My original orb project was inspired by a bunch of American photographers who used a mechanical arm to create the orbs, but I found that boring.

“People make for a way more authentic artwork, reflecting the input of all sorts of individuals.”

The event was a warm up to next year’s biennial SeeChange Winter Art Festival where Solness will attempt to create an even larger light orb picture on a South Coast beach.

Sue Tolley from JBBA said the result was astonishing.