The Birth of the PixelWhip Revolution
Our founder Jon has always loved festivals. As kids, Jon and his brother first got excited about beautiful motion graphics, and then by glowsticking at festivals (dancing with colorful LED and light-up flow props). Jon was enchanted by the 'now' of it all: that present moment of flow-state where anything seems possible. He would draw complex designs in the air with fire and light, fueled by the energy of his audience to create dazzling moves just for them.
These mesmerizing magic shows captivated people around the world as he traveled and taught in the global poi community. He even earned the nickname "Alien Jon" due to the excited buzz that surrounded sightings of his unique artistry!
In the midst of his travels, Jon crossed paths with another visionary. Brian Pinkham (PhotonicBliss), a sculptural light artist and robotics engineer, had sparked a breakthrough at a festival. In a burst of inspiration, Brian had fashioned the original fiberoptic whip by hand and was captivating audiences with bright fireworks of sparkling pixie lights. He would cut the fibers onsite at festivals, where people would literally watch a whip being born: magical fairy strands appearing out of nowhere. When Jon saw this, he immediately connected with the brilliance of PixelWhip: it was dazzling, easy to use, and just plain fun! Here was a prop that could bring the trance-like state of flowing with colorful lights to anyone, anywhere.
Together, Jon and Brian embarked on a mission. With Jon’s worldwide connections, they refined the fiberwhip, using self-taught design skills and the creative spark from Brian that had started it all. Their combined passion caught the attention of Flowtoys, who supported this fledgling startup through its early days. With their mentorship, what started as a passion project at a single festival transformed into a flow arts revolution that spread around the globe.
From those early days of childhood fascination, to handmade designs, to today's professionally crafted props that have danced their way across the world — this is our story. This journey has been more about just a product; it's about igniting a movement. A movement that invites everyone to experience the joy of flow, the magic of the present moment, and the dance of lights that started it all.
Today, we're inviting you to be a part of it! Join a community where light trails illuminate the night, and magic comes alive in your hands. We look forward to supporting you on your personal path, offering you quality support, exceptional props, and the inspiration to propel you forward in your passions.
These mesmerizing magic shows captivated people around the world as he traveled and taught in the global poi community. He even earned the nickname "Alien Jon" due to the excited buzz that surrounded sightings of his unique artistry!
In the midst of his travels, Jon crossed paths with another visionary. Brian Pinkham (PhotonicBliss), a sculptural light artist and robotics engineer, had sparked a breakthrough at a festival. In a burst of inspiration, Brian had fashioned the original fiberoptic whip by hand and was captivating audiences with bright fireworks of sparkling pixie lights. He would cut the fibers onsite at festivals, where people would literally watch a whip being born: magical fairy strands appearing out of nowhere. When Jon saw this, he immediately connected with the brilliance of PixelWhip: it was dazzling, easy to use, and just plain fun! Here was a prop that could bring the trance-like state of flowing with colorful lights to anyone, anywhere.
Together, Jon and Brian embarked on a mission. With Jon’s worldwide connections, they refined the fiberwhip, using self-taught design skills and the creative spark from Brian that had started it all. Their combined passion caught the attention of Flowtoys, who supported this fledgling startup through its early days. With their mentorship, what started as a passion project at a single festival transformed into a flow arts revolution that spread around the globe.
From those early days of childhood fascination, to handmade designs, to today's professionally crafted props that have danced their way across the world — this is our story. This journey has been more about just a product; it's about igniting a movement. A movement that invites everyone to experience the joy of flow, the magic of the present moment, and the dance of lights that started it all.
Today, we're inviting you to be a part of it! Join a community where light trails illuminate the night, and magic comes alive in your hands. We look forward to supporting you on your personal path, offering you quality support, exceptional props, and the inspiration to propel you forward in your passions.
Some of the first fiberoptic whips creating magic at Electric Forest.
Fun fact: Did you know the first fiberoptic whips were debuted at Voodoo Experience and the first ever Envision Festival?