ARTIST - JENNY HOLZER

Jenny Holzer is an American artist who uses text, in lighting projections, signs, hand-painted posters, even bronze plaques. Her style isn't constrained to one particular thing, but her work is nearly always very simple and plain in approach, simply letting the words do the talking.

It is different to my work in that I am always striving to make visually appealing art pieces, however the simplicity and no frills approach to her work is inspiring. Am I doing too much?

Protect me from What I want, 1982

This piece, projected in the iconic Times Square, NYC, speaks of consumerism. It explores idea that we need to be stopped or that our hopes and dreams are dangerous. The word 'Protect' - needing to be shielded and looked after is used is a thought-provoking choice. This art work can be interpreted in many ways. The setting is intentional too, Times Square is the central hub of all things advertising, a consumerist paradise. Is this a warning to those being influenced by the constant stream of advertising beamed onto the screens 24/7 365 days a year?

Living, 1980–82

These painted signs have a mixture of diary-like entries and news headlines. They are very plain, black or red on white, same font and square shape. But the text is intriguing and personal. The words speak for themselves in this context, with the artist feeling no need to create a pretty picture, instead letting the words stand alone.

ROCK BOTTOM LED

I experimented on my iPad, trying to create my phrase 'Rock Bottom' in a neon style. My intention was to eventually paint this to give the impression of Neon, however, I didn't like this at all. It felt very child like and basic to me. I decided to scrap this idea and continue on with my fabricated sign and explore other lighting options.

SIGNS IN THE WILD

I have been taking photographs of interesting and beautiful signs on my travels.

Nelson Court, Nottingham

I love this sign, it is so subtle, with the place name being incorporated into the brick work. This has a very traditional and vintage feel to it despite it being a brand new student accommodation building.

Cow Thrift, Nottingham

This window display sign is huge. It must have been lasered or even CNC cut and due to the scale it would have been several pieces. I like that it is just the raw material without any finish.

Carlton Buildings, Nottingham

This signage is attached to the building on a bracket which follows the curve of the architecture. It is clearly very old and weathered but I think it gives it charm. I've also spotted these White Rose signs all over the city. They are reminiscent of London street signs, particularly with the WR2 code.

Safari Inn, Unknown

I was watching something on my laptop and stumbled across this Neon sign. It is very reminiscent of the Las Vegas sign I've been researching. I love the shape and colour of the neon.

Christmas Market, Nottingham

I spotted this Sur La Piste marquee style sign whilst visiting the Christmas market. It is made from metal and has bulbs filling the space, giving it a circus style. There is also a LED Bookings sign below which is styled like Neon.

Cafe Mambo, Ibiza

I found this sign when visiting the iconic Cafe Mambo in Ibiza. It is huge and spans the width of the resteraunt facing the ocean. It is wooden and sprayed white. This sign has been there since 1994!

Brooklyn Bar, Budapest

I spotted this neon sign in Budapest, it was one of many around the bar. There seems to be a real resurgence of neon signage in bars and resteraunts often becoming a 'seflie spot'.

LED Signs for sale, The Range

I spotted these signs whilst shopping in The Range. They have lots of different designs, for really reasonable prices. Neon is known for being expensive, so these make a great alternative for the home. I do worry with them becoming a trend that they will quickly go out of fashion.