Eco-artist Mike Thompson premiers his haunting Blood Lamp video today at Amsterdam’s Discovery09, held at the NEMO Science center. Discovery09 (Very Disco) is sort of a science geek festival style party and convention that looks like a lot of fun. Mr. Thompson’s film presentation, featuring his creepy cool blood operated lamp, poses the question “What if power came at a cost to the individual?” and laments our thoughtlessly casual and wasteful use of energy. He is of the opinion that we might reconsider our energy usage habits if they cost us our blood. So, he has devised an ingenious one time use lantern encased in a delicately stylish glass bottle. In order to activate the glowing light, you simply snap off the neck, cut yourself on the jagged edges, and actually add your blood to the alchemical mixture contained inside. If it starts to fade, you can add more blood.

The Blood Lamp is a mix of CSI, self harm, breaking bottles, spooky lighting, and righteous green indignation. It sounds like the perfect date night accessory for some people I know. Add a little absinthe and eyeliner to your evening and you are good to go! Although, if watching too much crime scene investigation has taught me anything, I bet there are some less unpleasant ways to get some DNA into that test tube. You and your date will have to experiment with that.