Neon as an Art Form
on KCPT – Kansas City Public Television
“Kansas City Illustrated 1989”
Sep. 19, 1989
Neon, a symbol of nightlife, has seen a resurgence with sign makers and artists. Its creation process, involving glass tubes filled with gas and electrified, hasn’t changed much since the early 1900s. In Kansas City, Finis Necessary, with 55 years of experience, is a veteran of the neon community. Neon became a significant advertising medium in the 1940s, seen in iconic signs like Western Auto.
Stephanie Leedy, an experienced glassblower, became an apprentice to a neon veteran, using neon in her sculptural works. Her partner, Jordana Arnold, appreciates neon’s physical and sculptural qualities, stemming from her background in fiber and ceramics. Both women desire to create more non-commercial art pieces but face time and money constraints.
Other artists emphasize the importance of design and planning in neon creation. Kansas City sculptor Bill Shipman, known for using old neon pieces, has work displayed at the Museum of Neon Art in Los Angeles. Despite the limitations of neon, artists like Shipman push boundaries to create exciting and captivating works.
Tags: #NeonArt #NightlifeSymbol #NeonSignMaking #Glassblowing #SculpturalArt #KansasCityArt #WesternAutoSign #NeonAdvertising #IconicSigns #StephanieLeedy #JordanaArnold #BillShipman #MuseumOfNeonArt #NeonRevival #CreativeBoundaries #ArtisticInnovation #PhysicalArt #SculpturalQualities #ArtDesign #NeonCommunity
Published: Sep. 19, 1989
Copyright 1989 KCPT. All rights reserved.
