Over the past 20 years Craig Kraft has gained national recognition for his spirit and innovation in creating original works of art and advancing the techniques he has developed working with neon. He is one of only a handful of light artists in the world who bends his own glass and is respected for his ability to precisely manipulate the figure and light to capture his unique artistic vision.
Kraft has been published in over 25 books, magazines and newspaper articles and has interviewed for T.V. on Fox News, CBS and PBS. His works have been featured in over 60 exhibits throughout the US (8 solo) and remain on display in a number of prominent corporate and public collections. Among his most recent accomplishments are neon illuminated, life-size body casts which have been sited outdoors at North Carolina University, Cullowhee Campus, and at Socrates Sculpture Park, Long Island City, New York. In 1993 Kraft was awarded a Washington, D.C./N.E.A. visual arts grant and is presently a faculty member of the Smithsonian Institution Studio Arts Program. His neon/light workshops, which are popular with people from all walks of life, are quickly sold out.
Kraft resides at 931 R St. NW Washington, D.C. 20001 with his wife, artist Adrienne Beck. His work can be seen at their home and studio- a historic Washington, D.C. firehouse. His pieces are for sale (price ranges from $2,000 to $22,000) and he is available for commissioned artwork. For information concerning the artworks or the neon/light workshops email at Neonman@aol.com.
#1 Falling Man (25k gif), life size, Forton MG, steel, neon, 1995, sited at Socrates Sculpture Park, Long Island City, NY. $22,000 - A negative body cast lit by hidden neon tubes on the edge. As the volume is filled with multi-colored light, the eerie, holographic style image projects backwards and then forward depending on the inclination of the viewer- a distinct light sculpture discovery by Kraft.
#2 Bondage With Hope, (28k gif) 28"x20"x4", bonded copper and neon, 1995 $3,200 - an archetypal body fragment with poignant backlighting
