NEON, Architects & Artists

'Life is monotonous. We are often wrapped up in our thoughts as we move from place to place. We can become blind to the environments and objects we interact with. NEON was founded to elevate the everyday.’ So say Mark Nixon and Viliina Koivisto. Otherwise known as NEON. They work together from their studio in Margate creating fantastical architecture, art and design. Their projects are usually large, sometimes very large, and they invite interaction. I first met Mark & Viliina when I was working with the British channel ITV on a project to have a different artist every week create an artwork based on their logo. I loved the project NEON produced and I really enjoyed the way they think. In this conversation, which was recorded sometime before we’d become familiar with the phrases self-isolation and social distancing, we talk about their mission to elevate the everyday, how they function - as a collaborative duo, and as a couple - they tell me the stories behind their projects, this interview is going to want to make you visit Ethiopia if you didn’t already - and they let me in on how they manage to keep a steady stream of paid commissions.