Altered Spaces: A Psychedelic History and Light Shows

Clark Scott Taylor

An autobiographical tale narrated by a close witness to a curious life, this is meant to be a guided journey through my experience of the early days of psychedelic culture in the United States. It is not complete, exaggerated or overly opaque. Some details are left out for various reasons. Forgotten bits, names of the innocent and guilty and a bit of obfuscation about locations were necessary. 
I feel drawn to share. Some of these tales cannot be had again by anyone. Some are evidence of Dr Lilly’s “Earth Coincidence Control Office” hard at work.



I set out as a young fella to explore the range of possibilities of my mind, and to find others who were doing the same. It was a time of discovery. Boundaries unseen were discovered, crashed into, dissolved, and passed through… those left behind often had no idea where I went, or what life I had found on the other side. It was a liminal time, a time between realities in which there was loss and gain and change. I embraced it all.


My youth had been unusual, providing me with rare insights. I was oddly prepared for what lay ahead. The times required us to find safety in each other, clinging onto each other as the ride got bumpy, scary and wild. 
We built many things: odd new buildings, absurd art, unlikely friendships and a sense of community unlike any other.

 Through much of this time, I found, emulated, invented and created a kind of visual/kinaesthetic art, playing with light. I found opportunities to use my photographic and my narrative-making skills. I found audiences who wanted to witness my ideas, ethics and spiritual awakenings as expressed through light. 


The times were enriched by psychedelics. Few understood much about them; they were used in a time of trust and willingness to explore new ways of being. I found myself unable to enjoy the social release many sought. Instead, my quest for deeper understandings led me into a range of experiences, informed by the study of a broad spectrum of ancient wisdoms that became a strong influence in my art.

 The opportunities I was afforded were precious, and I sought to honour them well. I now feel an obligation to leave a record of those times, a legacy of appreciation for all that I was shown, learned and sought to embody.

 I had many companions along the way. Much love, understanding and laughter surrounded me, and I always tried to return it in kind. Memory is a fragile thing. I apologise for what I missed, left out or could not recall accurately. That said, I have done a lot of “research” trying to find evidence besides my own memory, to ensure my tale is as true, real and authentic as I can make it.