Hello Lightning Tamers,
This is episode number 60. Today, we have the pleasure of diving into the fascinating world of light and art with the incredible Kacie Lees. Born in St. Louis in 1986, Kacie has emerged as a prominent figure in the art scene, leaving her mark in Brooklyn, Chicago, and Los Angeles.
With a BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and an MFA from the School of Visual Arts in New York, Kacie’s artistic journey is nothing short of inspiring. As a dedicated teaching artist at NYU and SAIC, in addition to Museum of Neon Art and Urban Glass, she not only creates mesmerizing works but also imparts her knowledge to the next generation of artists.
Her recently published book, “Neon Primer: A Handbook on Light Construction,” has become a cornerstone in understanding the intricate world of neon bending. In this episode, we’ll explore Kacie’s creative process, the influences behind her work, and the profound impact of light on art. Stay tuned for a captivating conversation with Kacie Lees, a true luminary in the world of contemporary art.
Welcome to the podcast Kacie Lees …!
SHOW NOTES
- Music credits to the following artists in order of appearance:
- Preview – Retro by ONE
- The opening theme -Taming Lightning by Trav B. Ryan
- Credits – Walking by Ras-Hop
- [6:48] Unveiling Kacies’s Artistic Influences
- [16:38] Crafting the Neon Primer
- [28:39] Exploring Installation Techniques
- [29:18] Balancing Teaching and Artistry
- [34:14] Artistic Inspiration
- [35:33] The Glow of Neon
- [36:03] Cultural Significance of Neon
- [38:17] Neon in History
- [46:05] Neon in Urban Spaces
- [48:01] Inspiring Interactions
- [53:04] Future Projects
- [1:01:58] Neon Rituals
October 31st, 2023 // Foundations Lab Art + Science Series Talk / Kacie Lees: NEW ELEMENTS, NEW PHASES OF MATTER, AND NEW COLORS: THE FUTURE OF LIGHT AND ART
Neon artist and educator, Kacie Lees, talks about the hidden nature of light via the craft of neon bending and walks us through her upcoming project for the Contemporary Jewish Museum. How does light function in luminous gas signs, and what materials compose “the glow”? Explore the outer realms of the visible spectrum with us!
Neon Primer: Rakow Library Commissions a Contemporary Rare Book
Posted by Hugh McHarg on March 12, 2024
Visual artist Kacie Lees describes neon as “vibratory visual calisthenics.” In her Neon Primer: A Handbook on Light Construction, Lees surveys neon history and practice with cosmic breadth and subatomic specificity, reaching from the deep-time origins of light to the flow of electrons through gas. While the Primer’s scope is ambitious, it remains approachable and full of jubilantly instructive illustrations.
I hope you enjoyed the podcast.
Thank you Kacie for joining me for the podcast. Glad we got to talk about your Neon Primer, and I’m excited to have you teach at PGC when our new Neon Studio and Program are up and running!
I’d like to thank Pittsburgh Glass Center for supporting me as a place of research and inspiration, the Plasma Art Alliance, Neon Makers Guild, and the Facebook group Neon and Plasma Art for Beginner, where I can connect to an amazing community of knowledgeable and supportive people.
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Feel free to share, comment, and subscribe. and I’ll See you next time.
