I had the honor of taking a tour with Kira of the Adept Neon studio. It was amazing! I had no idea how neons were made, let alone all that is involved. I encourage everyone to schedule a tour. The amount of skill, precision, expertise and time required to make amazing neons in various shapes and colors is incredible. Check out the links below to see some of the neons created by Adept Neon.

Kira’s Bio:

Kira Oglesby is a lifetime local to St Petersburg, FL. She studied under Charlie Parker, a local potter, before attending the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University. While learning ceramics Kira also took a neon class and the rest was history. Graduated, moved back home, called up the first neon shop in the book, Adept Neon, and started a 3 year neon apprenticeship. Now she is part owner of the wholesale neon manufacturer. Most of her time is spent in the neon shop or next door in their maker's space for ceramics, welding, car mechanics, 3d printing, creative fabrication.

Links: www.adeptneonmfg.com

www.instagram.com/Nobleglassandneon

www.facebook.com/adeptneon

Interview Questions:

Question:  What about your niche excites you and motivates you to want to do more?

Answer: Neon is a dying art and I want to keep it alive and current. So many people have no clue how neon is even made. To educate others about neon is exciting and the more people there are who know about neon, how it's made, creating demand for it keeps me motivated.

Question:   As a young artist, did you have any fears or anxiety about focusing on a career in the arts?  Why or why not?

Answer: Of course! Before I went to college for my BFA at Alfred University my Dad asked what jobs I could get with that degree. Brought home a book from my high school art teacher with 1,001 jobs in the art field. So I assured my Dad and myself that I could find a job in the arts all because of a little book.

Question:  What has been your greatest art-related success so far (ex. a commission, an exhibit, etc.)?

Answer: Creating "Calavera Contenta", a 4 foot tall sugar skull made entirely out of neon. It was a major lesson for me as a neon apprentice and something my mentor and I always wanted to create. The piece has been shown at several galleries and continues to be one of my favorite works yet.

Question:   What do you want people to take away from experiencing a piece you have created?

Answer: I want people to know that they are looking at neon. Bonus if they wonder how it is made.

Question:  Where do you see yourself doing in the next 5-10 years whether in the neon niche, or working in other mediums?

Answer: I can definitely see myself as a better tube bender in 5-10 years, maybe even with an apprentice! I dream of creating neon ceramic lamps. Integrating ceramics and neon is my next big step. Plus classes for neon, ceramics, welding, and all the other things I tinker on in the maker's space.

Question:  What is one thing that has been the hardest to learn/adapt to as a professional artist?

Answer: It's your ride so who's driving? As in you are in control of your own future.