Neon Horses.
In about 1994, I was going through some pretty tough stuff in Salem. My beloved friend Mary G. "kidnapped" me in her car and we drove down a stretch of I-5 at night, towards Albany. Suddenly, she pointed. "Annie, LOOK!" So I did. And there was a purple neon horse in the middle of a field. As we drove, I was looking for more of them. They were scattered up and down a long stretch of highway, on either side of the road, in unexpected places. Each was a delight and a magical gift. I didn't know, until just now, who the creator was, or what happened to those neon horses.
1994 article on Martin Anderson
Now I know. I wish I could have purchased one of those neon horses, because they have been a happy memory ever since I first discovered them. They were a little bit of whimsy and unreality in the middle of total normalcy. I shall never forget the effect they had on me - I'd been in tears, contemplating total capitulation to despair - and those neon horses pulled me back to a place where I could regroup and get control again.
I doubt if Mr. Anderson has a clue how many lives his neon horse art touched, but if he's out there somewhere, I'd like to thank him. It took me this long, but at least now I can convey my appreciation publicly. Anyone who ever drove that stretch of highway between Salem and Albany at night during the time those neon horses illuminated the darkness with a cheerful, colorful display will understand.
1994 article on Martin Anderson
Now I know. I wish I could have purchased one of those neon horses, because they have been a happy memory ever since I first discovered them. They were a little bit of whimsy and unreality in the middle of total normalcy. I shall never forget the effect they had on me - I'd been in tears, contemplating total capitulation to despair - and those neon horses pulled me back to a place where I could regroup and get control again.
I doubt if Mr. Anderson has a clue how many lives his neon horse art touched, but if he's out there somewhere, I'd like to thank him. It took me this long, but at least now I can convey my appreciation publicly. Anyone who ever drove that stretch of highway between Salem and Albany at night during the time those neon horses illuminated the darkness with a cheerful, colorful display will understand.