Welcome to sHell

Fossil Fools & Gas Lights, Shell Gas Sign 2023

Welcome to sHell . Fossil Fools and Gas Lights Series. 13 x 12 x 4 inches. Christine Cannon 2023

Welcome to sHell is a mixed media sculpture I created in 2023. This piece belongs to an ongoing body of work that examines water quality and planetary health through a series of paintings and sculptures that parody the visual identities of major gas companies.

The Fossil Fools & Gas Lights series takes direct aim at companies that have spent decades working to suppress public understanding of global warming and the environmental consequences of fossil fuel production reframing their familiar, trusted logos as the punchline they deserve. The image first appeared in my painting Avarice from the Fossil Fools & Gas Lights series in 2021, and this sculpture is its physical realization.

Avarice, Fossil Fools and Gas Lights Series. 36 x 48in 2021, Christine Cannon

I really enjoyed this build. All of my file work was produced in Adobe Illustrator and Shapr3D.

The sign was fabricated using my laser cutter and 3D printer, beginning with a vector redraw of the original Shell logo. The face of the sign was engraved and cut from yellow acrylic, with the engraved areas finished using alcohol ink inlays for color and contrast. The bezel was 3D modeled to house LED lighting and printed in sections, with a simple keyhole hanger on the reverse and a removable back panel for access.

Because the sign was larger than my print bed, I 3D printed it in sections, then assembled, filled, sanded, and faux finished the exterior to read as an aged, weathered gas station sign. LED lights installed along the inner edges give it a warm golden ambient glow.

Though this piece was made back in 2023, the series is very much alive. When I first shared it on Instagram (@CannonArts), the response reminded me why this work matters. Jon and I are currently building the next addition to the series, and it is a really fun one! Thanks for visiting!

Best,

Christie