By Parker Sublette
Staff Writer
Neon signs are seen in shop windows, restaurants, and the Las Vegas strip, but to Mira Costa Junior Skye Norton, they are more than advertisement; they are art.
Norton’s interest in neon art began when her father wanted to purchase neon art for their home. While searching for pieces, he came across an advertisement for a neon art course, which he suggested his daughter pursue. Norton, who has been making different kinds of art, such as painting and drawing, since she was three years old, was inspired by the suggestion and signed up.
“All along, I’ve been her dad, patron, supporter, agent and guide,” Tim Norton said. “I always am looking forward to her next project.”
Skye Norton is currently taking an eight-week course in the arts district of downtown Los Angeles where she is learning the ins-and-outs of creating and designing art with neon lights. The class meets every Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m.
“So far, [the class] has also been a great way for me to learn a different artistic medium from my prior art skills,” Skye Norton said, “In addition, it has been a great way to advance my skills and challenge myself in new ways.”
The course began with a lesson on the history of neon light as an art form. The students are now being taught how to translate their designs and sketches into the three-dimensional works, using neon tubings and wirings. On Sunday, to mark the end of the course, the class will hold a potluck where the artists can show off their finished products to classmates and invited guests.
“The class itself is really enjoyable; not only am I learning more about art, I’m making a type of art I had never considered before,” Skye Norton said. “I’m really looking forward to showing off my piece when the class is finished.”
The neon class is run by Lili Lakich, a well-known neon artist who has been designing and creating neon sculptures since 1974. Lakich is the founder of the Museum of Neon Art in Glendale, and she runs the class out of her nearby studio in Los Angeles.
“Lili is really impressive as an artist, considering she has been making neon art for so long,” Skye Norton said. “All of that experience makes her a really good art teacher.”
Skye Norton said neon art presented her with a different type of perspective for art, especially since it allows her to turn two-dimensional designs into three-dimensional works through turning a template into an actual sign.
“It’s interesting; some neon seems 2D because it is just written words, lines and shapes,” Skye Norton said. “However, many neon designs are 3D, with shapes and depth that fill the space and draw the eye, which really changes how one views neon signs.”
The piece Skye Norton is currently working on is a depiction of a girl facing backward and the phrase “So Ethereal” is written below it. The piece is 42 inches by 35 inches and is framed on a matte black background.
“The phrase is an inside joke with me and some friends from over the summer,” Skye Norton said. “I designed the piece to be not only artistically interesting but also meaningful to me.”
Skye Norton plans on pursuing a career in art by taking several college classes from the Otis College of Art and Design in her future. She wants to advance her skills in art generally, and she feels that neon art is giving her a new perspective on art, she said.
“Skye has been painting since she was little,” Tim Norton said. “I’ve always made sure she has the supplies and is taking the classes she needs to. This neon course seemed like a great opportunity for her to develop her skills.”
In her final week of the course, Skye Norton said the class has given her a new perspective on artistic processes, and she looks forward to seeing and sharing her finished piece.
“As long as you grasp the composition of art, you can have a huge impact on your audience,” Skye Norton said.
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