Making Stuff - Neon Obsessions

Neon. The noble Gas. A colorless odorless gas. But how much fun is it!

The first ever public presentation of a neon sign was of two- 38-foot long tubes at the Paris Expo in December 1910. It was Jaques Fonseque, who sold the first commercial neon sign to a Paris barber shop owner in 1912. Fonseque was Claude’s partner. Georges Claude patented the neon lighting tube in 1915. Claude and his French company Claude Neon then presented the neon signs in the United States in 1923. Since then, neon lighting rose to become a prominent industry in outdoor advertising. Distinguishable even in daytime, people would stop and look at the first neon signs called as "liquid fire".

I have been absolutely obsessed with neon my entire life and got the chance to undertake a fantastic class at LAs Museum of Neon Art where we were artfully tutored in a very hands on day which included blowing our glass, using the burners to bend into shape (and yes I did manage to burn myself) fill with gas and attach our electrical plugs to our creations.

I had honestly thought (in my dreams) that I could quite easily make a living as a neon artist until I actually understood what was involved in the process, but it was hard graft and you really need to be rather skilled to produce such creative work - I really admire those professionals who work with neon! I would highly recommend the Museums classes if this is something that interests you!

#Makingstuff #neon