About us
Heavy Light Works creates original electric art inspired by the past. Take a walk down memory lane or or collect unique, cool, high-energy art with our built-to-last pieces that enlighten your home or workspace.
A Seattle area-based company, we combine our traditional approach and vast creative experience to preserve and contribute to this classic art form in a new way. Visit our gallery in Langley, take a selfie with any of our signature series pieces, and discover the real authenticity and one-of-a-kind nature of what we make.
Come alight with us.
Tim Leonard
OWNER/ARTIST
Tim’s passion for metal art started at the age of seventeen when he wanted to go to art school but turned to sheet metal work instead. He found himself in an apprenticeship in sheet metal work which he finished early, at the top of his class and earning an overall achievement award. Since then he has had the opportunity to work in many different shops on both coasts of United States. Tim has worked on the Experience Music Project Museum in Seattle Center, from new home construction to the City of Langley, Washington streets. Tim’s true passion is found in the creation of neon lighting which is displayed on numerous storefronts in the City of Langley. In 2016, Tim opened the Machine Shop Arcade to provide a family friendly environment where vintage pinball and arcade games can be played with a gallery to showcase his lighting creations.
tom webb
dr. Neon
We lost a Legend -
Tom passed away in October of 2021.
He was a great friend and mentor. That man had seen and done it all - sooo many stories.
Tom, aka Dr. Neon, found his love of neon signs at a young age when traveling on Route 66. Tom spent hours mesmerized by the “magical” glow of the motel, diner and gas station signs. When his family finally settled close to “motel row” where neon was prevalent, he started photographing and studying the art. Tom found himself studying under the masters in creating neon art. As an apprentice, he learned the art of glasswork, engineering, design, metalwork, electrical wiring, sign painting and more. Since completing his apprenticeship, he has worked as a production glassblower, fabricator, and installer before opening his own neon company. Tom has manufactured wholesale neon and restored antique and collectible signs as well as created “period correct” signs for film, television, and stage. He has also trained several apprentices in the neon art field
Sage Leonard
production engineer
The oldest daughter of Tim Leonard, Sage grew up in this shop and has gone off and abroad to do many exciting things. From San Francisco art school, culinary endeavors in Costa Rica, and Restaurant Management in Portland and Hawaii, Sage has always used her creativity and hardworking talents. Now settled back in the heart and woods of Whidbey she is excited to learn new techniques while cultivating connections with her family and eccentric art lovers. She loves being able to contribute hands first on these dazzling
one-of-a-kind pieces for this electric world we live in!
Adam Gates
Fabricator
Custom woodworker/craftsman w/20+ years experience. Enjoys the challenge and aesthetics of wood combined with other mediums including metals, acrylic, fabrics, and lighting. Master of detail and is a metal fabrication machine!
KELSEY KIMMEL
artist/FABRICATOR
Kelsey is an island native with a BA in Graphic Design from the University of Redlands and an MFA in Sculpture and Installation from Claremont Graduate University. She is passionate about art, loves to travel, learn and explore.
Kelsey is hooked: she started bending neon in January 2021 and the endless challenge both inspires and drives her.
BRENDAN McHUGH
BLACKSMITH
Brendan McHugh has worked as a full-time blacksmith/ fabricator since 2004. Is a graduate of the Kootenay School of the Arts, Nelson, BC. He has appeared on “Forged in Fire” on the history channel. Some of the projects he created on Whidbey Island include public and private art installations in New York, Washington DC and Washington State, as well as residential work across the Pacific Northwest.
Wayne Martin
Wizard
Mechanical wizard casting his magic among us.
jonathan miles stich
artist/rigger/contractor
Jonathan is a creative currently based on Whidbey Island in Washington State. His inspiration comes from what human beings can make when using their hands, mind, and soul. “What you create has its own identity based on the effort that you put into it, and I think about that with everything I make." He is trained as a professional woodworker, sculptor, and entertainment rigger. It has been his good fortune to work with hundreds of tradespeople and other creatives on different building and artistic projects. Since 2006 he has created work in 11 countries, 48 states, and over 200 cities. Jonathan currently runs his own construction business called Make LLC, creates sculptures, and is an ETCP Certified rigger. Jonathan Miles Stich 502-526-7855