Workshop and residency “Drawing with Sound, Painting with Light” participants explored the intersection of sound and light through hands-on experimentation with audio synthesis and laser projection. Residency was held in Maajaam from Sep to Nov 2025.
Workshop facilitators guided participants through the process of controlling laser beams, mirrors, motors and transparent glass diffractors to design a collaborative audiovisual light show by the end of the first session. Participants got an introduction to TouchDesigner program to experiment with audio-reactive VJ setups as well as interfacing with the real world using microcontrollers, sensors and cameras.
Mentors
The workshop was initially set to be mentored by Derek Holzer, whose innovative work in sound and instrument design inspired the workshop’s concept. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the workshop was led by Felix Granqvist and Markku Laskujärvi.
Felix Granqvist (VJ FE3ELIX) – a Swedish visual artist and creative technologist working with real-time graphics, interactive installations, and live performance. His work centers on building custom audiovisual systems in TouchDesigner, blending generative visuals and DMX light control into immersive experiences. With a background in digital art and live VJ performance, Felix develops tools and environments that invite exploration, interactivity, and playful experimentation across both stage and exhibition contexts.
Markku Laskujärvi is a media artist from Helsinki with a passion for game engines, 3D graphics, character design and strange interactions. They have taught 3D animation in Tampere for many years, helping students realize their ideas into both captivating motion and stunning visual presentation. Most recently their course content has also shifted into interactive art / VJ culture by using TouchDesigner. Markku has extensive experience in using TouchDesigner in audio-reactive VJ setups as well as interfacing with the real world using microcontrollers, sensors and cameras. Their interest in art and design lies within simplicity, quirkiness and shape.
Participants: Dāvis Vaivads (LV), Trevor Kinna (EE), Hendrik Kaljujärv (EE), Lovisa Luka Hiiop (EE), Madara Kronberga (LV), Laima Daberte (LV)
RuralArtConnect is a collaborative project by Maajaam and Savvaļa, supporting rural art communities through a year-long program of workshops – two residencies will be held in Estonia, two in Latvia.
This project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (Interreg) through the Interreg VI-A Estonia-Latvia Programme 2021-2027 (EST-LAT). The project falls under the priority ‘More cooperating cross-border regions and development of joint services,’ with a specific focus on ‘Building up mutual trust, in particular by encouraging people-to-people actions’. Project partners: Maajaam (Wild Bits MTÜ) and Savvaļa (Biedrība “SAVĀ VAĻĀ”).
Read more about the project here.
Additional co-funder of the project is Estonian Cultural Endowment.
