Deborah Katon
I am the founder/executive director of the Neon Museum of St. Louis and a practicing contemporary artist. I have been blowing and using glass as a material since undergraduate school and have been bending neon for 23 years.
Neon has become an integral material in my practice where works portray a visual narrative. I engage the viewer with vibrant color, assemblage, and electricity. Using art and science, contemporary and historic materials, found and constructed parts, I experiment with visual vocabulary. Color is clinically proven to induce dopamine. This science enables viewers a focus for finding the story in each work and how each piece communicates ideas.
Introducing people to the world of neon and contemporary sculpture is my means to relay meaningful messages in an experiential way. I comment on issues that are autobiographical, extending to family, community, human rights, equity, gender issues, and environmental concerns. Through my travels and interactions, I collect stories and experiences to represent myself and others through my artistry. It is my professional training to represent our generation’s voices, making sure diverse perspectives are documented for history.