Meet Michael Flechtner: Artist with a specialty working with neon

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Flechtner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
For me it wasn’t so much of a pursuit as it was a continuation of my creative activities starting at a very early age. I’ve pretty much always drawn, painted, wrote, made things from various materials and found objects, Plus, I’ve always had a fascination with electricity, mechanical objects, colored light, fire. magnetism, flight, water, chemistry, science and physics and have performed science experiments with various combination of those things I was fascinated by. I did undergo a formal art education culminating in both a Bachelor’s and Masters degree in Sculpture and painting, to help develop my creative reach, physical mastery and expression. For me…seriously, what I do now is almost exactly the same as then…except now I make money, get more praise and occasionally make the news!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Neon is basically a 2 dimensional and linear light source that lends itself to text and imagery both of which I embrace in my work. Coming from the art world into neon instead of the usual path of the sign industry, I recognized the necessity to master the fabrication techniques before trying to go in another, a more 3 dimensional direction with my neon creations. To that end I’ve been able to create fully 3 dimensional neon versions of sea life, aircraft and various mechanical objects. I’ve also be able to animate my neon pieces traditionally through serial animation (illusional) and have also made neon works where the various tubes actually move while the sculpture is in physical motion. Neon fabrication is all about “practice, practice and more practice.” I find, even over 30 years down this path that I continue to learn and continue to improve my skill set. I’ve just kept at it, because it is so satisfying! My biggest accomplishment was being asked to design a stamp for the United States Postal Service that became the Neon Celebrate forever stamp, first issues in 2011. The original neon for the stamp image is in the Smithsonian National Postal Museum. I also teach on various levels and venues so passing on the neon skill set and encouraging new people to the neon world is very satisfying…and I believe, very important.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Within an hours drive in Los Angeles, you can eat just about every cuisine in the world. So much wonderful food, so many places to go. For food, Dr. Hogly’s Tyler Texas BBQ, Ramen Nippon, Musso & Frank’s, Lido Pizza, Lula Cocina Mexicana, Canter’s Deli, Sushi Spot and maybe a drive over to Brophy Brothers in Santa Barbara for some al fresco seafood dining. We check out the area museums including the Museum of Neon Art, LACMA, MOCA and the Museum of Jurrasic Technology. Trips to the beach and drives up and down the coast on the PCH in a classic 1957 Chevy Bel Air.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Stephen Antonakos for the inspiration for his neon work. Freddy Elliott for teaching me the basics of neon fabrication. The Museum of Neon Art in Glendale California for showing me so many different artists working in neon and my friend and fellow neon artist, Linda Sue Price for looking out for me…and keeping me on the straight and narrow.

Website: www.Flektro.com

Instagram: flektro22

Facebook: Michael Flechtner