In the calm, reflective atmosphere of the poolroom, a series of neon coins is arranged in a
diptych formation on the back wall above the credenzas, positioned at the terminating vista of the space. Using neon tubing, I trace the contours and details of these coins—portraits, mottoes, dates—and scale them up from everyday pocket change into large luminous medallions, fusing classical design with commercial symbolism.

Each piece in the series draws from historic American coins, including:

• The Mercury dime (1916–1945), featuring the winged Liberty head, a symbol of freedom of thought, movement, and communication.

• The Buffalo nickel, depicting a Native American profile, referencing the American
frontier, Indigenous heritage, and the rugged mythology of the West.

I find the portrait of a human rendered in neon tubing to be a uniquely compelling challenge. During the design process, I must carefully decide which lines to keep and which to omit to preserve the legibility of the face. Too many lines, and the image becomes cluttered and unclear; too few, and the detail is lost. Each piece becomes an exercise in restraint, distilling a recognizable human form into just a few precise glowing strokes.