Colorful Lines Glowing in the Dark
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Colorful Lines Glowing in the Dark
  • Lee Park Jeongeun
  • 승인 2024.10.02 08:00
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The city's nights remain bright and splendid even after the sun has set. One of the many lights that make this possible is the neon sign, whose lights brighten the darkness and create a beautiful night view. These lights are used as decorations not only outdoors but also in dark indoor spaces, creating an attractive atmosphere. This SMT reporter experienced some neon sign-related craft activities and created a piece of art made of shining lines.

 

Illuminating the city night

Neon signs that decorate the streets began from a chemical reaction. Derived from the element neon with the atomic number 10, neon signs are devices that emit light by placing low-pressure gas in a long glass tube and discharging an electric current from both electrodes. When neon gas is placed in a glass tube, it emits a red light, nitrogen shows a yellow glow, and carbon dioxide releases a white light. The color changes depending on the enclosed gas, and even if neon gas is not used, the name is collectively called a neon sign. Based on this principle, they have been used since the early 20th century, and have spread from Europe to the rest of the world, where they are used as outdoor signs, billboards, interior decoration items, and works of art.
The colorful neon signs that illuminate the city have also been used in various media such as games, animations, and movies under the theme of cyberpunk, which signifies the fusion of humans and technology. Also, in the case of Hong Kong, movies with a night scene full of neon signs in the background left an impression on many people. However, these neon signs have been replaced since the spread of LEDs, which are relatively cheap and have a long lifespan, so their use has decreased compared to the past. Along with this, neon signs are now more commonly found in kits or one-day classes for those who want to create their own neon signs rather than just on street corner storefronts.
 

ALL PHOTOS BY PJE

 

A winding work of light

This SMT reporter applied for a one-day class at a workshop located in Hongdae to experience making LED neon signs. A reservation was needed, and there were a few things to decide before the crafting experience began. First, a design needs to be chosen. Participants can choose from over 200 basic designs provided by the workshop or bring in their own desired image. After much thought, the reporter decided on a drawing of a puppy's back that she thought was the cutest among the basic designs provided by the workshop. However, to avoid the simplicity that comes from just the picture of a puppy, a heart was also added next to it. Then, it was time to decide on the type of attachment plate for the neon line. There were four options: net, canvas, acrylic, and hologram. Each attachment plate has different characteristics, but canvas was chosen as it can be used as an interior picture frame and the instructor said it is good for neatly expressing complicated designs. Next was choosing the color of the line, and there were several colors available, including aqua blue and red orange. Although it is possible to add color, the instructor pointed out that the brightness will gradually decrease as the number of connected neon lines increases. Eventually, this reporter decided to make the puppy shape in yellow, which is her favorite color, and the heart shape around it in pink.
After deciding on each option, the actual creation of the piece began. First, black paper was laid on the canvas, and then paper with the design printed on it was placed on top of it. Then, after adjusting the position, the work of drawing along the black outer line of the design with a pen was carried out to create a line on the canvas. It was emphasized that this line should be drawn as cleanly as possible in one stroke by pressing hard with force. When the design had been transferred onto the canvas, the design paper and black paper were removed. The next step involved poking a hole at a starting point suggested by the instructor among the lines of the design on the canvas with an awl. The method was to bend the neon wire little by little to create a shape, and then attach it with instant adhesive. This process continued until the neon line followed the boundary of the design image and crossed the path it had already traveled to create a shape. Then, the work of inserting the neon wire into the back of the canvas and bringing it back to the front at the point where the path would connect was done as if sewing. The process of poking holes, sewing the lines in and out, bending, and pasting them was repeated. Due to the curly shape of the puppy design, it took longer to produce than the standard 120 minutes provided. There was also a warning to be careful not to get the instant adhesive on one's hands, but when the neon line wasn't sticking well, the reporter pressed too hard and got some on her hands. The instructor advised that this could be prevented by using a tool, such as scissors, to press it. It became clear that creating LED neon sign artwork requires quite a bit of precision and meticulous control. Additionally, in cases where it is difficult to bend or shape the line in the middle, an instructor's assistance and easy explanations are needed to help participants understand. Therefore, with some help and effort, the neon puppy sign piece was born.

 

 

Decorating personal space to shine

The SMT reporter tried neon sign crafts for the first time, which she had only ever seen used as decorations for restaurants and cafes. Although the process of bending each line wasn't easy, she finally finished it, looking forward to seeing the puppy shape shine in a room. Unlike the original method of sealing gas in a glass tube, this method uses LEDs, but it is easier to manufacture, allowing many people to participate today. How about changing the atmosphere of your room by creating a glowing decoration through this LED neon sign making experience?
 

 


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