Some people don’t think of themselves as artists.  They do other things, call themselves by other names and look puzzled when I tell them they are creative souls.

Take Robbie Ingui.  He runs Artistic Neon, a full service sign shop in Ridgewood, Queens just a blink outside of Williamsburg, Brooklyn or Willy B, as he puts it.  “My father taught almost everyone in the neon business.”  he says.  He can also tell you the story behind every sign, font, technique and project that ever came out of that shop over the past 30 years.

There is enormous pride in his voice when he describes his process, whether it is in making a sign for a coffee shop or doing a custom neon glassblowing signage project.  And he always speaks of his father Gaspar, a master glass bender,  teaching the craft of neon to a generation of students now operating neon shops around the country.  For this reason, Robbie and Artistic Neon was selected from among many neon companies to represent the neon industry of New York City in the 2001 Cultural Festival of the Smithsonian Institute.

There was a time when a craft was taught by a master to apprentices who spent many years learning and practicing, eventually becoming journeymen and eventually recognized craftspeople.  Add passion and pride in having this tradition as part of your family life and you have what I call an artful business. His product?  A personal and creative experience in making a neon sign.  You will get attention, a bit of neon history and a unique quality product that represents a history of crafts tradition.

Can you tell I am a fan?  I also take my part as a supporter of his community seriously and will tell the story of this creative soul and his artful business to my community, that’s right, all of you!

If you are looking for something to light up your kitchen or your inner disco, Robbie may have just what you need in neon.

Get lit!

If you want style notes and more for people who change the world, please check out:

Getting to Wow! to feel good, do good and look good

Nonprofit Knitwear for all things knit and nonprofit

Style Notes from me, your artspy

Hoong Yee