Today we’d like to introduce you to Antonia Young.
Hi Antonia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Antonia Young and I’m an independent neon bender, artist, and designer.
I was born in Ningbo, China, and grew up just outside New York City. As the first generation child of a children’s book illustrator and an art director, I developed an early love for stories, finding beauty in the imperfect, playful, and in-between.
Today, I continue my art practice and take select neon commissions. I’ve created work for private clients and businesses locally as well as across the country and I love to always be learning as I create.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I was extremely fortunate to have parents who were supportive of my artistic interests and shared a love of arts with me from a young age. I didn’t think I would end up in the arts as a kid – but here we are, coming full circle.
For me, finding the balance between art practice and commercial work has been challenging as I grow as both an artist and pursue other dreams.
It is important to me to meet the practical needs of supporting myself as well as to ensure I keep the things I love about making as an art practice alive.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I discovered neon during a year at the School of the Art Institute in Chicago, where I was drawn to the medium because of its inherently functional nature as light as well as the physical challenge of learning the skill. Neon bending is challenging, demanding, and unforgiving. One could spend a lifetime mastering the skill – and because of this, neon is also extremely rewarding.
I’ve always loved taking neon off the wall in my own art practice. While it is most often seen and associated with a wall or window hanging sign, I enjoy creating neon sculptures – whether recognizable objects or abstract shapes. A signature shape I’ve made is a three-dimensional house, also functioning as a desk or table lamp.
I’m grateful to have the opportunity to pursue neon both as art and also, as signage – honoring the decades-old craft of neon benders and historic signage. Recently, I was honored to create a neon sign for Ssippi, a local natural wine bar opening on Summer 22′.
Contact Info:
- Email: antonianeonstudio@gmail.com
- Website: antoniayoung.com
- Instagram: @antonianeonstudio
