Emma-Kate hart
I am an emerging artist based in Sydney, Australia, working on the unceded lands of the Gadigal & Wangal peoples of the Eora Nation. I create illuminated neon/plasma glass vessels, combining flameworking with neon techniques. My practice bridges the precision of craft with curiosity for the material’s poetic possibilities, exploring light as a tool of communication & as a form of transcendence.
Through my work, I examine the intersections of light, culture & human experience. I am drawn to the poetic links between the neon that illuminates our cities & the social & emotional worlds beneath them. By reworking a medium historically tied to commerce & control, I aim to give voice to quieter forces: the individual, the natural, & the unseen. Each illuminated vessel becomes a living presence, a convergence of energy, fragility, & intention that reflects our place within broader systems of life.
I began as a neon sign maker, developing my skills through apprenticeship under second-generation neon bender, Steven Cole. Material investigation & technical mastery are central to my work. This intimate relationship with my medium allows me to push past limitations, uncover hidden possibilities, & communicate in new visual languages. A major motivation in my practice is discovering new techniques & exploring crossovers with other glass crafts, which extends my skillset in innovative directions and opens new conceptual possibilities. I am one of the few full-time neon commercial practitioners in Australia under 40. As the workforce of skilled neon artisans continues to retire, the craft faces increasing risk of decline. This adds urgency & responsibility to my practice: preserving knowledge, mentoring emerging artists, & maintaining neon’s relevance. Preservation & promotion of neon techniques are core to my work. Through research, collaboration, & experimentation, I aim to ensure neon’s continued accessibility, relevance & vitality in my country.
Custom Glass Neon Signs & Neon Art Commissions in Sydney, Australia
Hire a professional neon artist Sydney to create bespoke glass neon signs and unique neon artworks. I specialise in designing, handcrafting, and installing custom neon signs Sydney for homes, businesses, public art projects, and events. Each piece is carefully made using traditional neon glass-blowing techniques, with professional shop drawings and expert installation for a vibrant, lasting result.
Whether you’re looking for a striking custom neon light installation Sydney, a one-of-a-kind handmade neon sign Australia, or a public art project, I can turn your vision into glowing reality. Support my creative projects by commissioning a bespoke neon artwork, purchasing from my online shop, or collaborating on events and public installations.
For custom neon sign commissions Sydney or to hire a neon artist in Australia, contact me directly at emmakate@neon-hart.com
Neon Classes & Workshops in Sydney, Australia
Learn neon in Sydney with Emma Hart, one of Australia’s few full-time neon artists. Offering hands-on neon classes Sydney and neon workshops Sydney, I teach students how to design, bend, and illuminate their own custom neon art. Whether you’re a complete beginner or have some experience, my courses provide a safe, creative environment to explore the art and science of neon glasswork.
In my neon art classes Australia, you’ll work with glass, fire, and electricity to create your own glowing neon pieces. Classes cover essential skills including glass bending, gas-filling, assembly, and wiring, giving you the confidence to bring your neon visions to life.
I am a passionate advocate for neon as a medium and have taught neon workshops nationally and internationally, including at Pilchuck Glass School in Washington, Canberra Glassworks, and Neolite in Sydney. Current classes are held at Neolite Studios, St Peters, Sydney, with professional tools and high-quality materials to ensure a hands-on, inspiring experience.
Whether you’re seeking a private neon lesson, a small group workshop, or a custom neon course Sydney, I can tailor the experience to your skill level and creative goals.
Book your neon class or workshop in Sydney today – contact emmakate@neon-hart.com for more information.
CV
EXHIBITING:
”Cross The Line” Sevenmarks Gallery, Kiama AU - 2025
”Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize” Woollahra AU - 2025
”Vivid Sydney” Sydney AU - 2023
”Fishers Ghost Art Prize” Campbelltown Art Centre AU - 2023
”Electric Dreams” Saint Cloche, Paddington AU - 2022
”Creative Trails”, Neolite Studios, St Peters AU -2022
”The Hum & The Buzz” Neolite Studios, St Peters AU - 2022
”In Plein Light” Gaffa Gallery, Sydney AU -2021
”International Neon Day” The Motley Bauhaus, Melbourne AU - 2019
”The Hindmarsh Prize” The Fitters Workshop, Canberra AU - 2018
”Winter Artist Glass Residency” Canberra Glass Works AU - 2018
”She Bends” The Midway, San Francisco USA - 2017
”She Bends” Museum of Neon Art LA, USA - 2017
”Night of Neon: Neon Hart Launch” Aeso Studio, Melbourne - 2017
”NeArt” 69 Smith Street Gallery, Melbourne - 2016
”Art Express” Armory Gallery, Sydney AU - 2011
WORK EXPERIENCE:
Production Manager/Arts & Education Coordinator/Neon Bender - Neolite Studios - 2019 - 2023
Director/Neon Bender/Neon Instructor - Neon Hart - 2017 - Present
Neon Bender - Coles Neon Shop - 2015 - 2019
Neon Instructor - Pilchuk Glass School, Washington USA - 2019
Neon Instructor - Canberra Glass Works, Canberra AU - 2017 - 2021
NEON TECHNICIAN
”SAP” Rainbow Chan, Campbelltown Arts Centre, AU - 2022
”A Miracle Constantly Repeated” Patricia Piccinnini, Rising Festival AU - 2021
OTHER ARTISTS: Josh Muir, Tracey Emin, Olivia Steele, Scott Marsh, Athena Thebus, Joan Ross,
MEDIA
”Newtown” Episode 3 - Selling in the City TV program - 2022
https://binge.com.au/shows/show-selling-in-the-city!16996
”We are the Makers” - Television Commerical for Bank Of Melbourne - 2015
https://vimeo.com/129518355
”Welcome to CADA” Online Campaign for CADA Radio - 2022
https://youtu.be/89PECiH98cw
”Icons of our Tribe” Online Campaign for Go Daddy - 2019
”Becoming A Neon Artist & Expert Advice with Emma-Kate Hart” Mondo Neon Podcast - 2018
https://www.mondoneon.com/mondo-neon-sign-podcast/becoming-a-neon-artist-expert-advice-with-emma-kate-hart
”WITH HER OWN HANDS- She Bends highlights 29 Female Neon Artist” - LiveFast Magazine Article - 2017
”Things are about to get adults only hot at the Canberra Glassworks” Sydney Morning Herald - 2018
https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/art-and-design/things-are-about-to-get-adults-only-hot-at-the-canberra-glassworks-20180613-p4zl7b.html
