We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Zoelle Nagib a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Zoelle thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Lightwriters Neon has been a source for high quality custom neon since 1977. Run by the husband and wife team of Jacob and Petrie Fishman, the company has seen the industry change from a highly-guarded commercial trade to a more accessible and expressive art form. The current neon landscape is illuminated by artists that not only want to design but to also deeply connect with the material, so Jacob and Petrie’s daughter Zoelle is bringing the craft of neon making to the greater public. Our mission to open a teaching space encompasses our community values centering hands-on experiences with this truly unique art.

Zoelle, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I was born to do this! At least it feels that way now… I was very lucky to grow up with parents that made neon. Neon has historically been a very closed craft, and educational opportunities were highly coveted. As I grew up I worked in the family business part time, and had access to the materials from a very young age. Glass art is entrancing and magical, but for me, growing up as a queer person who didn’t fit the mold made the typical studio setting feel unsafe, so I spent most of my adult life pushing glass away. Until I became a parent. In motherhood I started having ideas for art pieces in neon, so I doubled back and put my hands to glass once again. It felt like coming home, and luckily, in a new more inclusive landscape I felt like I could breathe in a studio setting or while presenting myself as a glass artist. Although I don’t think this sphere will ever be without complications for me, I feel especially poised to create community among peers of artists that have felt othered or like they struggled to present themselves to the world. I would have failed as an old-school, production-focused sign maker like the generations before me, but I know I will glow in a world where neon is accessible and expressive.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

When I decided to get back into glass work, I was scared. My dad is at the top of the craft. He’s written a book about it and taught multiple workshops, it’s pretty intimidating. Eventually I found that if I could be gentle with myself as I was with my children when they make mistakes I’d be able to keep going. It even helped me stand up for myself and my work as I reminded him that I was still learning and my skills will. always be. my skills, and not his.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I was just going to open up my own private studio, but the more I spoke with people in my city that wanted to learn or just have a place to practice neon-making I realized there was a need for something bigger. It has taken a lot more effort by myself and my family to pull this off but I believe that what will grow out of educating people on the craft will be so worthwhile.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lightwriters.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/lightwritersneon/
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/lightwritersneon
• Other: Join our Newsletter! https://mailchi.mp/lightwriters/5i65mawad7

  Come see us in Chicago at 4222 N. Ravenswood Ave.

Image Credits

headshot- Aline Stern Photography