Today we’d like to introduce you to Zoelle Nagib

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?

I was born for this! Although growing up, it felt like I would never be able to fill the shoes of my amazing parents so I had a somewhat circuitous route into my current role. My parents are neon fabricators, and quite well known in their field. As any rebellious teen and young adult might do, I pushed away getting into the same field until I was approaching 40, and felt more comfortable to blaze my own trail in the craft.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

From the moment I told my father I was ready to take over the family business he’s been behind me every step of the way. We did hit some road bumps in finding a suitable location for my new branch of the business, but we eventually found a spot that is perfect for us to teach the craft of neon glassblowing in Chicago’s Ravenswood neighborhood.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

We make and teach traditional glass neon sign glassblowing or “tube bending.” Historically our business has focused on fabrication for fine artists around the world, but now we are building a community of empowered artists through our teaching studio. We focus on inclusion and artistic expression, which is very exciting, challenging, and rewarding. Tube bending is hard! But not impossible, and the students that come through our door get to bend glass with fire and light – purely magical! We are the largest neon-only teaching studio in the US, and the only space dedicated solely to neon tube bending in the mid-west. We have an incredible combination of old school technique taught by my father, and my future forward approach to material resources and inclusion.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?

Helping people who have been historically kept out of this craft getting the space and resources to learn. As a queer woman, it is personally important to me that people of every race, gender, and identity have access to this unique craft.

Pricing:

• Classes – $500
• One on One lessons – $100/hr
• Bench Rental – $30/hr

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lightwriters.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lightwritersneon
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lightwritersneon
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/zoelle.artist

Image Credits

Headshot – Aline Stern
Action shot of Zoelle – Ou Bai

Art work and facility- Zoelle Nagib