BEACONS by Nathaniel J. Bice

Well known for painting En Plein Air (outdoors, from direct observation) small scale works around San Francisco, Nathaniel is diving into large studio paintings for his new series. Inspired by the same love of the city that is evident in his smaller works, the exciting new direction for BEACONS honors the places that light up the streets and offer warmth, culture, and community. The work features the signage, especially neon, of iconic queer spaces such as the Castro Theater, Oasis, Orphan Andy’s, Martuni’s, Twin Peaks, Hot Cookie, and more. 

His subject matter is an opportunity for Nathaniel to explore high contrast, strong saturation, and extreme perspectives. The handmade nature of neon signs make them not just examples of typography and design, but of craftsmanship. The rich glow of neon gas suffuses its surroundings, creating a unique lightscape and evoking the memories of the spaces they illuminate.

Many fear that our access to the Castro Theater will be lost with Another Planet Entertainment’s takeover and the removal of the theater seats, signaling the prioritization of more expensive, exclusive live events. However, the beautiful architectural details of the space have finally received the loving restoration they deserve, and the neon sign is freshly painted and brightening the neighborhood again. APE and the Nasser family have also threatened to displace two local businesses, Castro Coffee and Castro Nail Salon. A lack of clear communication has left these two businesses in a state of doubt and fear for over a year, after promises that they would be able to remain. 

Nathaniel J. Bice, having begun his career in theater, came to San Francisco as a fellow at American Conservatory Theater, and still assists Nina Ball with set designs around the Bay Area. He shifted his focus to fine art in 2020, and his work has been shown in galleries and shops around the Bay Area including STUDIO Gallery, änalog Gallery, Queer Arts Featured, Fleet Wood, The Drawing Room, Sanchez Art Center, and Gearbox Gallery. He also channels his scenic paint experience into murals for local businesses, including Tala Wine, Sour Cherry Comics, Mersea, and House of Tadu.