The idea for the Optical Bottle was first conceived by Dan during his three year exploration and documentation of the global whisky industry. Dan observed that distilleries spend a lot of money on beautiful thick walled, embossed bottles, that get used once and are tossed. Dan theorized that in the age of climate change the future bottle must have more than one purpose when leaving the factory. Can the future bottle hold more than just whisky? Can it hold your data as well?

In late 2020 Dan Knapp was looking for help to test out a 1939 toy electric outboard motor. He was introduced to Dana Kelley by a business referral. Dan mentioned his concept and showed Dana his initial designs. This led to the development of The LIGHT Synthesizer prototype, the formation of Optical Bottle Project, LCC and filing a provisional patent to protect intellectual property all in the same year.

Our lighting system, The LIGHT Synthesizer, relies on many unique skill sets from several different industrial backgrounds. The external boxes are made by local wood craftspeople. Our glass is hand blown by local artists. We joined Western Ave Studios to allow us to carry this approach over into this art community. We search out craftspeople to form partnerships with to help further our art and theirs. Additionally, we offer technical video production advice to other artists wishing to use video to record their processes for their own social media outlets.