\'new york neon\' captures fading art

With the exception of the tall skyscrapers, there is nothing more to scream \"New York City\" than the bright neon lights.
While neon lights are not unique to New York, at some point they spread across the city\'s tens of thousands of stores.
Like Broadway, which they often relate to, by the mid-20th century neon lights became an iconic part of the city\'s landscape.
But the changing landscape is unfolding and more neon lights are disappearing.
Six years ago, construction administrator Thomas Rinaldi began documenting the historic neon lights of New York.
\"The old neon lights have caught my attention for years, but at about this time they start to disappear at such a high speed that I feel the sense of urgency to shoot them before they disappear forever, said rinaldi.
The result is the New York Neon, a visual tour of the remaining exposed works
Neon signs for tubes in five districts of New York City.
Most of the 200 signs in this book are early --and mid-
The example of the 20 th century was made before the 1970 s.
CNN asked Rinaldi to let us know more about this project by email recentlymail.
Here is the edited version of the interview: What is the history or medium of neon lights in New York that interests you?
A lot of things.
New York\'s old neon sign stands out for its design, great fonts and materials in the mid-century.
But more importantly, these signs almost always mark the location of the great old business ---
Bar, restaurant, small shop--
This gives the New York community a sense of place\"-
Their own unique identity.
Is there time to think about the height of neon lights in New York?
How many neon lights are there?
Many neon fans will tell you that the best neon lights in New York have appeared in the 1930 s and I agree.
The logo designer did create some beautiful and unique works in the years before World War II.
After the war, the store signs in New York became less creative, and the signs on Route 66 --
Motel and motel
Ins become more gorgeous.
Part of the reason is the rise in labor costs in New York, and part of the reason is that during this period, the focus has generally shifted from the old city center to roadside and suburban development.
Why are neon lights so popular?
One of the most attractive things about neon is its popularity. -and unpopular --
Over the years, different groups for different reasons.
From 1920 to 50 years old, neon is strongly welcomed by business owners for its ability to attract the attention of potential customers.
While this remains true, many small business owners have chosen a cheaper form of outdoor advertising since the 1960 s.
Today, many New Yorkers love the old neon lights because they have the ability to evoke another era, and most importantly, their connection to the firm old independent neighborhood businesses.
Why did they disappear?
It\'s very sad that New York\'s old neon lights are disappearing because many of the established businesses they advertise are having trouble keeping up with the way the city has reshaped itself in the last 20 years.
Old businesses cannot exist forever, and some businesses fail when the boss dies or retires.
But many believe that soaring rents and real estate values have led to the demise of old restaurants, bars, hardware stores and other businesses that have been community agencies for generations.
Places like this have given the community an identity and their disappearance has attracted the attention of many.
They carry their logo when they go.