I've always been a huge fan of surface lit signage as opposed to interior lit signs. Done properly three dimensional signs and sculpture take on a magic quality when lit. Highlights, and shadow combine to show the work at it's best!.
And of late I have been striving learn to do a better job of lighting our own work to look good at night. As our sculptures are generally part of an active theme park the trick is to light our features in a safe and unobstrusive way. Tricky at best.
We also face the inevidable budget crunches (like everyone).
Even if the job turns out great often the hard part is to capture the end result in pictures.
I'm happy to report that we were successful on all fronts.
Here's a few samples...
-dan
[ May 15, 2004, 01:26 AM: Message edited by: Dan Sawatzky ]
Posted by Julio Tome (Member # 4701) on :
Once again Dan I am amazed at your work! So talented and creative! Looks great at night!
Posted by Ian Stewart-Koster (Member # 3500) on :
Amazing...words fail me, Wow! very nice, & as you say, the lighting can heighten the effect if welldone, and it certainly is.
Posted by Michael Berry (Member # 2604) on :
NICE!!! Posted by Richard Swartz (Member # 372) on :
Great job.
I've had the same feelings about externally illuminated signs and trying to use that in our marketing and sales to get people to discover that they could be better off with a custom shaped, dimensional sign instead of a plain old rectangular sign box. (however, it doesn't help when the USSC comes out with a new study that says that internally illuminated signs are MUCH more visible than externally illuminated signs).
What type of lighting did you use on this project? Is that the typical lighting solution for your projects?
Again, great job! I always admire the work you do.
Posted by Rick Sacks (Member # 379) on :
Lots of charactor! I do find a place for the tubes in cans though. Gas station signs high in the air off freeways and strip developments that need to look cheap are appropriate uses. Places with shops and pedestrian traffic that you view while moving slower sure look better with dimension though.
Posted by Kimberly Zanetti (Member # 2546) on :
Dan, Each and EVERY time I see examples of your work, I am yet again amazed and delighted. You are a true craftsman.
That place looks like so much fun it makes me want to jump on a plane and go play miniature golf!
What do you say everyone??? Miniature golf/Letterhead meet at Dan's Place! Race you there!!!
Posted by Dan Sawatzky (Member # 88) on :
Thanks for the kind words.
We use two kinds of lighting to light our stuff... halogen or sodium. The sodium give a cool warm yellow light. The halogen is much whiter. We use those inexpensive small units & hide them in small features.
The hard part is not to shine them in people's eyes as they go to other angles in the park. Up lighting leaves them more prone to vandalism & putting them up high makes it harder to hide them. It's always a balance.
And yes Kimberly, another one of my long time dreams is to host a Letterhead meet. Currently I'm hoping for early fall 2005. Small informal meet... and a golf tournament at Giggle Riddge would definitely HAVE TO BE a part of the gig.
That would also give me a HUGE dealine to finish the shop.
