The Neon King of New Orleans
7 hours ago
- #Neon Art Preservation
- #New Orleans History
- #Craftsmanship
- New Orleans has a distinct neon aesthetic with iconic signs like the Hotel Monteleone, Tropical Isle, Camellia Grill, and Joy Theater.
- Nate Sheaffer, through his shop Big Sexy Neon, works to preserve the city's historic neon signs and create new pieces.
- Sheaffer faces dangers from high-voltage work and deals with preservation controversies, like saving the Tujague's restaurant sign.
- He has a background in arts and was introduced to neon craftsmanship in college, later moving to New Orleans for its rich neon history.
- Neon signage history in New Orleans dates back to the early 1900s, with Canal Street once featuring hundreds of signs.
- Sheaffer creates art by combining neon with found objects and advocates for neon's sustainability and longevity compared to LED.
- Learning neon craftsmanship takes a decade, and the trade is declining due to lack of apprenticeships and competition from LED production.
- Sheaffer demonstrates the process of making neon, including heating glass and using mercury, and accepts personal commissions.