The manner in which surfaces are rendered by light reveals their very nature. Appearance is governed by the angle and direction of the light as well as the nature of the surface. We can refer to the appearance of a surface as its texture. All materials have texture; whether polished and light reflective or roughly hewn and light scattering.

Light can control texture to varying degrees - where a material transmits light its internal structure reveals texture, or its absence. Materials can be illuminated to show degrees of smoothness, coarseness, grain, consistency, weave or elasticity. They can also be transparent, translucent, refractive or reflective. Light itself has no texture. It can appear to have texture by hitting particles in the air or manipulating surfaces. Light can also create a pattern or dissolve it. The relationship between light, surface and texture is not only substantial - it can be implied, simulated or hidden.

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