LED neon art has become increasingly popular. Popular way to add a modern eye catching element to home & business interior décor. Utilizing energy Efficient LED lighting technology artists are able to create customized neon signs. Sculptures & installations which emit a vibrant glow reminiscent of old school neon. However unlike traditional neon, Indoor LED Neon Art is more affordable, versatile & sustainable.
The creative possibilities are endless with LED art. When strategically designed and installed from accent walls to standalone sculptures. These light based art pieces can entirely transform an indoor space. Read on to learn more about the evolution, benefits, design process, unique creations, installation and maintenance of indoor LED neon art.
LED Neon Art History
Roots of neon craftsmanship followed back to the early 20th century with the development of neon lighting. This innovation utilized neon & other respectable gasses to deliver dynamic shines. When electrified within sealed glass tubing. Although pioneered for advertising signage, artists soon adapted the medium for more aesthetic purposes. Notable neon artists emerged from the Light & Space movement of the 1960s. Their conceptual sculptures experimented with interplay between light, space & perception.
However due to the specialized equipment and gas mixtures required. Traditional neon art remained complicated and expensive. Presentation of Neon Driven innovation within the 1960s cleared the way for a unused period of neon craftsmanship. Initially designed for practical illumination. LEDs (light emitting diodes) were soon utilized by artists seeking an accessible & sustainable lighting solution.
Pioneering LED artists like Stephen Antonson transformed neon signs into an artform by manipulating LEDs, optics and low voltage systems. In recent years, creators have leveraged the customizability and energy efficiency of LEDs to make neon installations for homes and businesses. From sign makers to sculptors. LED neon art continues to evolve in tandem with lighting innovations.
Benefits of LED Neon Art
LED neon art provides number of advantages which contribute to its surge in popularity compare to conventional neon:
Energy Efficient – Driven neon lights expend up to 80% less vitality than other conventional neon lights. This makes them more affordable & eco friendly to operate.
Customizable – Multi-colored LEDs and programmable lighting controls allow for dynamic and customizable designs. Effects like color changing and dimming can be easily implemented.
Durable – LEDs last up to 10 times longer than neon lighting with decreased risk of breakage. The solid state nature makes them resistant to vibration and impact.
Safe – No risky gasses or high voltages required. LED neon art can be safely installed in homes and businesses.
Affordable – Lower equipment, energy and maintenance costs make LED neon art accessible for most budgets. Short production times also keep commissions affordable.
Versatile – From small accent signs to large-scale sculptures, LED neon art can be fabricated in many shapes and sizes to suit any environment.
Thanks to these advantages, LED lighting has proven to be an ideal medium for bringing the iconic glow of neon art indoors.
LED Neon Art Design Process
Creating a custom LED neon art piece is an intricate design process that blends aesthetics and lighting technology:
- The client provides the basic vision and dimensions for the piece. Photographs of the desired installation space are also very helpful.
- The artist translates the concept into a scaled drawing indicating the layout of the glass tubing and LED components.
- Tubing is carefully selected based on diameter, flexibility and optical clarity needed. Glass color can also be chosen.
- LED layout inside the tubing is strategically mapped to ensure consistent lighting.
- The glass framework is assembled and mounts are fabricated for the installation surface.
- LED lighting strips and other electrical components are wired up to control boards.
- The glass tubing framework and LED system are integrated and undergo thorough testing.
- Once approved, the piece is disassembled for safe transport and future installation.
With attention to aesthetic design and technical lighting details, LED neon artists are able to fabricate stunning works of functional art.
Unique LED Neon Art Creations
From futuristic grids to mimicking classic neon, LED neon art takes on many creative forms:
Sculptural Art – Freestanding neon sculptures employ complex curved tubing to form abstract shapes and fluid lines. The light interacts with the contours to produce artistic shadows and reflections.
Geometric Art – Straight tubing is assembled into angular grids and frameworks ranging from minimalist to complex. Light interacts with strict angles and lines for visual interest.
Signature Art – Mimicking the look of classic neon signs, names and phrases are artfully rendered in script, cursive, and vintage fonts. Decorative icons and symbols can be added.
Figurative Art – Outlined human forms and shapes create a neon silhouette effect. Animals and objects are also popular figurative outlines.
Ambient Art – As an alternative to distinct lines, ambient pieces utilize deliberately diffuse tubing to emit a subtle glow. This creates a soft, ethereal atmosphere.
The creative possibilities are endless for integrating LED neon art into indoor spaces.
Installing LED Neon Art
Proper installation is key to safely displaying LED neon art:
- The piece should be located indoors away from moisture and temperature extremes. Air conditioning vents should also be avoided.
- Solid mounting points are required to securely affix the framework to the wall or ceiling. Toggle bolts work well for drywall.
- Weight load and structural stability must be considered, especially for large overhead installations.
- Outlets need to be located nearby to power the LED lighting system. Hardwired connections might be preferred over plug-in.
- Cabling and wiring should be neatly concealed from view. Wall track molding helps hide power supplies and wiring running to outlets.
- Diffusion panels, acrylic, or glass can be installed to soften or direct the neon glow if desired.
With attention to location, mounting, wiring, and lighting needs, LED neon art can be perfectly showcased.
Caring for LED Neon Art
While inherently durable, simple care is required to keep LED neon art looking its best:
- Power should remain connected at all times to avoid moisture collecting inside the cold, inactive tubing.
- Use microfiber cloths to gently remove any dust buildup on tubes. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners.
- An occasional inspect of the mounting points ensures connections are secure. Retighten if any are loose.
- Check that electrical connections are free of corrosion and wires are intact. Replace compromised wires.
- Have a qualified electrician diagnose and correct any flickering or outage issues with the LED system.
With routine dusting and electrical upkeep, LED neon art installations can glow for years to come.
Conclusion
The vibrant glow of LED neon art injects spaces with an exciting, modern style while paying homage to the classic neon signs of yesteryear. Leveraging LED lighting innovations, artists are able to fabricate customized neon artworks that are original, versatile, affordable and sustainable. With creative designs that range from sleek and geometric to fluid and expressive, there is an LED neon art style for any décor. When properly installed and maintained. These striking light-based art pieces will transform indoor environments for years of artistic illumination.
