Why signs, you may ask?
As a photographer, I have enjoyed capturing a variety of subjects on film and digitally. From architecture to fashion, and everything in between. Working with advertising agencies and shooting their campaigns has given me the opportunity to understand how design influences people.
I was shooting for a client in Las Vegas when something just clicked (Pardon the Pun). As I looked up at the sign, all my years of shooting architecture and advertising photography just came together. I began to see a beauty in signs I never had seen before. I began to notice their design, and their architectural value in time. There is a certain uniqueness in the design of signs from the 1930's thru the early 1970's that has been abandon in today's signs. In days past, signs enticed you with creative and obscure designs so you would visit their establishments.
I tried to find unique signs that possessed a distinct design and message. "Long lost are the metal and neon giants of the past drew you to them with their enormous size and beauty."
As these signs age and rust sets in, they are transforming into pieces of art. Their beauty becoming more prevalent as they age. "As the rust sets in and the neon glow fades, age takes it's toll and art is created."
There is an urgency to capture as many of these signs as possible. They are rapidly disappearing, one by one. "Many of the signs in this book are gone today. Torn down for progress, thus losing on yesterday's art form. Each photo becomes more valuable with every passing day."
As I photograph these signs, not only am I recording their historical and architectural value, I am creating new art out of old.
Join me on my journey to rediscover "Signs Across America".
Frank Short