SQUIGGLE WORKSHOP @ WESTERN NEON

If I may start with a cliche, you don't know what you've got until it's gone. In the case of the Western Neon School of Art, this rings painfully true.

After years of putting it off, I found myself enrolled one Sunday morning in the non-profit's last ever class to the public (allegedly).

The squiggle workshop promised a full-day of hands-on learning where you walk away with what I'll call a ‘neon doodle’. The class was hosted by Will Kirtley and assistant Lila. Our instructors were incredibly knowledgeable, approachable, and passionate about their craft. Thanks to them, the day was full of the kind of learning and inspiration that makes you want to immediately sign up for a deeper dive.

I never imagined how immersive it would truly be. After about a 45 minute overview of glass bending, materials, and most importantly workshop safety, we were able to get right in there. Cautioned not to be wasteful, we were also assured that our student glass is cheap and that mistakes were encouraged as part of the process. Suddenly something I've only ever admired was coming to fruition right in my own hands!

The class covered the very basics. We worked with a ribbon burner, used for heating a customizable surface area of the tube for smooth curves and shapes. In this case, pinkies in for best results. We also used a crossfire, which pinpoints specific areas to create angles and turns. A cork blocks one end while you use a blow tube to assist in the creation of sharp corners.

The instructors handled welding, attachment of the electrodes, vacuum process, and gas filling but provided incredible transparency along the way. For single day's effort, it was incredibly satisfying to utilize so many new skills and experiment freely.

Did I mention how great the instructors were? In addition to their fantastic guidance, they offered a tour of their spaces. I was in awe at how much room there was as the facade of the space on 4th Ave S is deceptively humble. What can't be missed from outside, however, is the smaller of the two iconic pink 'Elephant Car Wash' signs that reigned over the Denny triangle until they were removed in 2020 (damn that year sucked). The larger of the two is going to the Museum of History and Industry while this one was purchased by @m@zon. It will be on public display once it's been restored.

In my opinion, it would be incredibly heartbreaking to see the learning space that Western Neon has created disappear forever. COVID has been hard for sure, but maybe longtime neon-curious folks like me sitting on the sidelines and thinking 'I'll always have later' have played a part as well.

Well, I can confidently say the the time is now! While Western Neon's School of Art takes a step back, Seattle is fortunate to have many talented glass artists and neon benders willing to share their craft. This will not be the last time I bend some glass tubes!