Tyler Soon is a new media artist whose interactive installations blend technology with playful artistry, creating captivating, participatory experiences. His pieces have been displayed at Burning Man, regional festivals, and Lumière YVR.
Tyler is also my husband, so I get a front-row seat to watch him do what he loves — build wildly ambitious art projects from scratch. Our days start with morning walks through the New Westminster Quay with our beloved dog, cuddle master Leroy. We’re obsessed with living in New West — industrial grit meets historic charm meets waterfront views, and somehow it all just works.
Here’s the thing about Tyler: he doesn’t just make cool stuff, he is cool. He’s one of those rare people who can rally an entire community around a wild idea, inspiring friends old and new to help bring his vision to life. Watching him learn a dozen new skills for each project — from coding to metalwork to “how do I make this thing not catch fire” — is genuinely impressive and inspiring.
But my favourite Tyler moments? Watching him at events, talking to people experiencing his art. His eyes light up brighter than any LEDs when someone gets it — when they laugh and play and connect. Between building things, checking out music and comedy shows around town, and festivals out of town, life’s pretty good. Sparkly, even.
-Written by Aida Viziru
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Which ’hood are you in?
I moved to New West two years ago with my wife, Aida, and we love it. I grew up in Coquitlam and have lived in East Van and downtown, but I’ve really come to appreciate New West as a sort of urban village — all the city amenities but with a small community feel.
What do you do?
I’m creating interactive art that integrates technology and light. As an old-school nerd, I’ve been around computers and programming for a very long time, but what I find satisfying now is breaking out of the purely digital world. I’m very inspired by the boundless creativity at Burning Man and the effort it takes to bring art there. In that spirit, I’m driven to make stuff that people can see and play with — that’s not just on a screen.
What are you currently working on?
I’m continuing work on volumetric light sculptures like Voxelite, which I just finished. It has been a great success, and I want to keep pushing the limits of LEDs in three dimensions and springboard off everything I’ve learned in the process. I’m working on more compact forms with increased density, which promises to be more dazzling while also more portable.
Where can we find your work?
Check out my website, and look for my work appearing at light art and street festivals — and, of course, Burning Man.
