We were lucky to catch up with Antonia Young recently and have shared our conversation below.
Antonia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
The first neon tube I bent was at art school – in the basement Light Lab at SAIC in Chicago. Meeting neon in this way began a journey that I am still on – of honing my skill and navigating a medium that has a history in the commercial industry that has been traditionally male-dominated, and at times, kept secret to survive. I’ve come to where I am through self-teaching, formal education, and through mentorship – found in community and by happenstance.
Neon has historically been a trade, passed down through apprenticeship. That has expanded and evolved rapidly in more recent years but has also been a challenge for me in finding my niche and in learning the process without a formal apprenticeship structure. One of the most important parts of my learning journey so far has been to find community in the neon and art world – learning from and sharing resources with others – whether neon artists, markers, historians, scientists, or neon enthusiasts alike.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m an independent artist and neon bender – I design and fabricate glass neon signs by hand. I’ve been bending neon using glass and traditional techniques for almost a decade. I make artistic sculptures and lamps, and I take commissions, including business signs, architectural lighting, and gifts. I’m a materials person, who loves to work with and combine various mediums including wood, ceramic, painting, and metal in my work. Even in my commercial jobs, I find a unique melange of my art practice, function, and form.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being a neon artist and bender right now is to have an opportunity to be part of and to recognize and re-envision a rich history of artisanship in modern times. I’m excited to be pushing the limits of what neon is expected to be and who it is expected to be made by. Allowing myself to experience neon in new applications, as well as through sharing, educating, and collaborating with others, continues to enrich and inform my art practice and business as a neon bender.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
Support local businesses and makers and continue to learn about what we do! 
Contact Info:
- Website: antoniayoung.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antonianeonstudio/