Gallery
A collaboration created by me, music teacher Ron Zecher, art teacher Alyssa Gonzalez and 2nd graders at Montecito Union Elementary School in Spring of 2024. Recycled violins, bows, cello and neon elements with collage of vintage music and acrylic. A gift to Montecito Union School celebrating arts and education.
Vintage mantle clock, acrylic and neon.
I played with a mixture of colors that lead me to a place of pure fantasy. If Cinderella had a clock, perhaps it would look like this…
I am honored to be a part of this inspiring, powerful and insightful book written by the author/philosoher “Z”. He chose my images and art to illustrate this beautiful book. A perfect gift for the artist in your life - or anyone looking for deeper meaning in the journey of life. Available on Amazon or where ever you buy your books. The hardcover version is in full color. Black and white version also available, and Kindle version as well. Enjoy!
“What a wonderful read. I was gifted this book for Christmas and feel fortunate to now own a treasure. No matter where you are on your own life journey, this book provides a new mind set of inspiration. Clear and accessible it is easy to absorb the profound messages on life, creativity, and ageing. Beautifully illustrated including the creative works of Rod Lathim, is an added plus. Treat yourself to a copy.” Barkly Cole
Deconstructed Violin, vintage clock parts and ephemera, Neon on vintage typeset block.
This work reminds me of how fragile life is, teetering at times… near falling apart, but held together by the magic forces of good and grace.
The instrument, like our bodies, even when pulled apart, exposing its inner workings, somehow holds together and continues to make music – to have a life that defies all odds.
SOLD
Dobro guitar and Neon
Choctaw Hayride is the title of a piece of bluegrass music by Jerry Douglas and made popular by Alison Krause & Union Station in 2002. This music features the unique sound of a Dobro guitar with its sliding fret work and its metallic sound generated by the sound cone. Choctaw Hayride is a classic, upbeat joyful ride with banjo, guitar, bass, Dobro and fiddle. The neon is a visual representation of the colors and textures created by the Dobro. I grew up on bluegrass music and love it to this day.
53” T x 16” W x 16” D/PEdestal 30” T x 16” W x 16” D
Deconstructed cello, neon, vintage clock parts, wooden carved rabbit, silver metal sphere, vintage metal ring.
A whimsical look at the healing properties of music and light
SOLD
Epiphone Cherry Wood Hollow Body Electric Guitar with Neon
“Axe” is the most popular slang word for a guitar. Rockers often refer to their instruments as their Axe.
I was drawn to the rich cherry wood of this guitar that can create gentle love songs and hard rock. The neon creates an aura and brings a visual life to this beautiful guitar. The guitar I learned on as a kid was an Epiphone and I will always cherish the music it taught me.
51” T x 8” W x 9” D
Vintage Trombone and Neon on custom wood base.
I used the ‘Think Method’ when creating this. The Music Man was the first musical I ever saw. Robert Preston later was put on a high pedestal by a young theatre kid. This beautiful trombone was purchased in an antique store in England by my dear friends Fredda and Harris Meisel and was gifted to me by their family. The Meisel Family was steeped in artistic expression, music, visual art and love. I hope this ‘76th trombone’ pays appropriate tribute to them.
SOLD
29” T x 18” W x 5” D
Neon on mounted soup label. An ode to Lily Tomlin in Jane Wagner’s brilliant play “Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe.” If you have seen it, you’ll get it.
Deconstructed violin, ephemera and neon
The bluebird came from the roof of a vintage German Cuckoo clock. The deconstructed violins and cellos joyfully incorporate my earlier years of assemblage work with neon.
SOLD
7” W x 7” D x 3’ T
Vintage clarinet sections and clear glass with argon gas on custom wood base.
Pure argon gas pumped with mercury in clear glass creates a mystical, other-worldly effect. I think of Merlin’s magic from the days of Camelot and how he might have magically coaxed music to flow from an instrument.
Deconstructed cello, mirror shards and neon.
This was a departure and experiment for me. I chose to cut the cello in angular sections, giving an explosive look. The mirrors provide a shattered look at the light and the onlooker. From the classical artistry of Yo Yo Ma to the violent and explosive music of Curt Cobain…
38” T x 29” W x 11” D
Neon and French Horn on custom wood base.
A tribute to the genius of Steven Sondheim. He uses generous arrangements of the French Horn in the song “Sunday” from “Sunday in the Park With George.
2’ T x 8” W x 7” D
Vintage Ukrainian bugle, neon and custom wood base
I bought this bugle from a gentleman in Ukraine. May it blow to celebrate victory and freedom of the Ukrainian People
SOLD
25” T x 10” W x 10” D
Industrial Hobart mixing blades, neon and custom welded base.
One a series with a nod to reverent whimsy
SOLD
43” T x 16” W x 12” D
Vintage acoustic guitar, neon
I found this guitar with the name “Eddie” hand painted at the top of the neck and had to channel its funky, quirky energy. The wavy strings are a visual incarnation of its music
SOLD
22” T x 24” W x 12” D
Three dimensional sculpture of wood and neon
2022
Santa Barbara
28” T x 8” W x 8" D
Vintage metal clarinet, beaded neon, wooden base
29” T x 9” W x 9” D
Saxophone, neon on a custom wood base.
A sax pouring out the blues…
43” T x 8”x12” D
Ukrainian electric guitar and neon.
Created specifically for my show in Nashville, TN
SOLD
Vintage Ukrainian hollow body electric guitar and neon.
SOLD
3’ T x 3’ W x 7” D
Painting by Chris Gocong, Neon by Rod Lathim, Soft sculpture by Christina McCarthy and Rod Lathim
SOLD
Acrylic on wood canvas, neon, Italian silk fabric
Inspired the the iconic fashionista Iris Apfel
2021
Santa Barbara
17” T x 17” W x 6" D
Inspired by Modernism Week in Palm Springs - this is the second in a series of works that celebrate the shapes and colors of Modernism in The Desert.
2021
Santa Barbara
17” T x 17” x 6"
Neon and wood elements
An ode Modernism week in Palm Springs
24” T x 24” W x 6” D
Neon and wood elements - created from the “boneyard” of unused neon pieces collected in my studio.
18.5” T x 13” W x 8,5” D
Neon and custom wood base
Inspired by the Herbert Bayer sculpture “Chromatic Gate” at the Santa Barbara beachfront
SOLD
2021
Santa Barbara/Los Angeles
35” T x 35” W x 5" D
This is a collaboration with painter George V. Wolf - a Los Angeles based artist, with neon by Rod Lathim. (@georgevwolf) SOLD
2021
Santa Barbara/ Los Angeles
38" W x 26” T x 8” D
Wood sculpture and neon design by Rod Lathim, painting by George V Wolf.
2020
Santa Barbara
27" W x 22” T x 6.5” D
One of my very popular series of Time Flies works - each built on a different vintage clock. This oak timepiece features a pendulum and ornate glass door. . SOLD
2021
Santa Barbara
27" W x 22” T x 6.5” D
One in a series of my winged clocks. This is a vintage English clock with custom neon wings. SOLD
2021
Santa Barbara
17” T x 22” W x 6" D
Time Flies - one of my most popular series of vintage clocks with wings. Neon colors are turquoise and blue (not showing up as accurately as I would like in this photo. Neon is tricky to photograph!
2021
Santa Barbara
30” T x 22” W x 8" D
A commissioned work for a private collector. Custom wood sculpture, neon. SOLD
2021
Santa Barbara
24” T x 24” x 6" D
One of a series of neon hearts on metal stars.
2021
Santa Barbara
23” T x 23” x 6" D
Built on a wood framed vintage deco tin ceiling tile. Solid neon lettering with beaded neon squiggle.
36” T x 6.5” W x 6.5” D
Fused colored glass neon, custom metal stand, custom wood base.
A Spirit Totem with custom bubbles.
SOLD
2020
Santa Barbara
22” T x 12” W x 12" D
Industrial mixing blades, neon and custom metal base. Yes, a play on words, but also a sentiment reflecting the world and its fragile condition. SOLD
28” T x 8” W x 8" D
Vintage trumpet, neon and wooden base
SOLD
17” T x 8” W x 7” D
Clarinet section, kinetic beaded neon, bell jar on custom wood base
25” T x 7” W x 7” D
Pocket Trumpet. neon on custom wood base
SOLD
36” T x 6.5” W x 6.5” D
Fused colors of neon glass, metal armature, custom wood base.
One of a series of single Totems celebrating balance, harmony and tranquility.
SOLD
2021
Santa Barbara
26” T x 23” W x 9" D
An electric bouquet on a custom white base. SOLD
2021
Santa Barbara
24” T x 24” W x 5" D
One of my Star series - featuring iconic symbols. SOLD
2021
Santa Barbara
40" W x 4' T x 4" D
My first collaboration with Los Angeles painter George V. Wolf. Neon design by Rod Lathim. (@georgevwolf)
SOLD
29” T x 23” W x 6” D
Custom wood base and neon
SOLD
2021
Santa Barbara
19" W x 20" T x 9" D
Pastel Neon freeform shapes on a custom wood base. SOLD
2020
Santa Barbara
53” H x 26.5” D x 25.5” W
This beautiful, white, vintage Chippendale chair pleaded with me to use it as a canvas. The blue and green colors of neon are two of my favorites - gently enticing and elegantly soft. The piece includes a beautiful custom wooden pedestal (now painted in matching white) that mirrors the tapered shape of the seat. SOLD
2020
Santa Barbara
53” H x 26.5” D x 25.5” W
This beautiful, white, vintage Chippendale chair pleaded with me to use it as a canvas. This is the outcome. The blue and green colors of neon are two of my favorites - gently enticing and elegantly soft. The piece includes a beautiful custom wooden pedestal that mirrors the tapered shape of the seat. SOLD
2021
Santa Barbara
8" W x 22” T x 6.5” D
One in a new series of works incorporating musical instruments. This is a vintage clarinet section with beaded neon under a glass dome on a custom wood base. The movement of the beading flows out of the clarinet. SOLD.
2020
Santa Barbara
(22” T x 10” W x 9 1/8 D
Fashioned from two industrial mixing blades, this piece a celebration of spirit and light, Art Deco design, and is a sort of an alter for those who find a spiritual calling emanating from the blades. This piece called for the purity and simplicity of white light, coupled with the soothing cobalt blue and purple. In these very challenging times, faith is sometimes all we have to hold on to. SOLD
2022
Santa Barbara
3' T x 3' W x 8" D
Painting by Chris Gocong, neon by Rod Lathim
2022
Santa Barbara
3' T x 3' W x 7.5" D
Painting by Chris Gocong, neon by Rod Lathim
4' T x 4’ W x 6” D
Painting by Chris Gocong, Neon design by Rod Lathim
2021
Santa Barbara
48” T x 48" W x 4"D
This painting is by Chris Gocong, neon deisign by Rod Lathim.
2021
Santa Barbara
11” T x 59” W x 4" D
The first sign I have made - for Isaac Gonzales - proprietor of CommenUnity in the Funk Zone in Santa Barbara, CA, where it permanently hangs. Isaac's concept of a one-chair barbershop in an art gallery is wonderful and refreshing!
2021
Santa Barbara
7” W x 7” D x 16" T
Beaded Neon encircling a vintage clarinet section under a glass dome on a custom wood base. This kinetic sculpture is perfect for music lovers, instrumentalists, a great mood light at night and guaranteed conversation starter. SOLD
2022
Santa Barbara
59” T x 24” W x 22" D
Vintage Chippendale chair, neon and custom pedestal. Use your imagination of an appropriate place for this… or an appropriate person…
2021
Santa Barbara
22" W x 18.5” T x 7” D
Solid and beaded neon with vintage metal ring on wood base. See the video of this piece to see the movement of the beaded neon. Inspired by Van Gogh's Starry Night.
2019
Santa Barbara
35” T x 24” Circumference
The Red Planet is one of a series of planetary works I created in 2019. Neon rings on a metal sphere with a patina created by fire. Custom metal welded base. SOLD
2019
Santa Barbara
35” T x 24” Circumference
2019
Santa Barbara
64.5” T x 12 3/8” D x 36 ¼ W
I ventured to Lawrence, Kansas right out of graduating from Santa Barbara High School, to pursue my education as a Music Therapy major. What awaited me in Kansas was so much more than an academic education! I had been selling antiques at the Wine Cellar in the Big Yellow House in Summerland and the Midwest opened up a whole new world to me in the antique department. In 1978 I found a set of twisted wrought iron posts. They date back to the Civil War and are hand-wrought, portable fence posts that were carried by the troupes to create horse corrals. The corkscrew end was screwed into the ground and ropes were threaded through the rings. These posts were dug out of the Caw River, which runs through Lawrence. I imagine some low ranking infantryman grew weary of lugging these heavy items day after day and dumped them in the river.
This series of three posts represents the blood, sweat and tears of those who fought in the Civil War. My family lineage traces back to Robert E. Lee. (Thank God the North was victorious.) The light on the center post is the ghost of the soldier who carted these heavy posts from camp to camp. It is a tribute to those who gave their lives in that awful battle.
2019
Santa Barbara
73” T x 20” D x 32” W
Constructed with the action board and free moving hammers, and the keys of a piano on a triangular metal base, Alegro is upbeat and embodies movement. The hammers are all able to be positioned in never-ending positions, creating fascinating visual patterns. Though delicate, the hammers all move to touch and will hold their positions, making this work very interactive. Backlit in purple, Alegro offers a very striking look of dramatic silhouette when only the backlight is used.
2019
Santa Barbara
6' T x 29" D x 55" W
This is the largest of the piano series, constructed with a grand piano harp featuring an unusual convex eagle emblem in the metal, which is highlighted with tiny LED lights. The custom stained glass panes were inspired by the magnificent stained glass windows in the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain. Backlit with an extensive pattern of deep blue lighting and clusters of LED lights, This impressive sculpture morphs into multiple, colorful looks, dictated by light.
Like the Sagrada Familia, it celebrates light with vibrant and joyful colors, and the spiritual nature of music. SOLD
2019
Santa Barbara
6' T x 29" D x 55" W
This is the largest of the piano series, constructed with a grand piano harp featuring an unusual convex eagle emblem in the metal, which is highlighted with tiny LED lights. The custom stained glass panes were inspired by the magnificent stained glass windows in the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain. Backlit with an extensive pattern of deep blue lighting and clusters of LED lights, This impressive sculpture morphs into multiple, colorful looks, dictated by light.
Like the Sagrada Familia, it celebrates light with vibrant and joyful colors, and the spiritual nature of music. SOLD
2019
Santa Barbara
6' T x 29” D x 55” W
This is the largest of the piano series, constructed with a grand piano harp featuring an unusual convex eagle emblem in the metal, which is highlighted with tiny LED lights. The custom stained glass panes were inspired by the magnificent stained glass windows in the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain. Backlit with an extensive pattern of deep blue lighting and clusters of LED lights, This impressive sculpture morphs into multiple, colorful looks, dictated by light.
Like the Sagrada Familia, it celebrates light with vibrant and joyful colors, and the spiritual nature of music.
SOLD
2019
Santa Barbara
63” T x 28” D x 56” W
One in a series of free standing piano re-constructions. This work incorporates the harp, keys and action board of a repurposed baby grand piano. It features custom glass elements in three of the openings of the harp, and a magenta neon ring around one of the sound holes and is backlit with deep blue light.
2022
Santa Barbara
15” T x 15” W x 13" D
Metal sphere, neon and custom wood box. Created in celebration of Unite To Light - an important non-profit organization. Primordial Spirit represents the innate building blocks of human life. Light and energy are both core elements. Ultimately we are made of energy and light. Our souls radiate light in the form of auras. When we are in sync with our inner light, we can truly heal our world. SOLD
2022
Santa Barbara
12” T x 11” W x 11" D
Metal sphere, neon and custom wood box by Rod Lathim. SOLD
2019
Santa Barbara
28” H x 6” D x 28” H
Arrows and signs – life is full of them. Sometimes we pay attention to them. Often we ignore them. But most of us are looking for direction. You fill in the blank. What are you looking for? To where will the arrow point you? Home? Paradise? Trouble? Adventure? A new beginning? Bliss? SOLD
2021
Santa Barbara
18” T x 16” T x 5.5" D
This piece is simple but intriguing to me, pairing overlapping colors and shapes with light and paint. SOLD
2019
Santa Barbara
78” H x 20” D x 40” W
This Oeil de Beouf – or French dormer is made of zink, and is a classic example of the ornate architectural elements of buildings in Paris. La Ville Lumiere– The City of Light oozes with history, art and design. I enjoyed mixing traditional and abstract Kinetic beaded and solid) neon and diverse colors in this piece. I hope to capture some of the essence of Paris and its lively, artistic energy. This is my first use of beading neon (achieved by using Krypton gas and the use of a special transformer).I love the animation it creates – pearls of light and energy flowing like white blood cells, waking the muses that once resided beneath this dormer.
SOLD
2020
Santa Barbara
29 W x 15” T x 6” D
Neon on vintage ceiling tiles. Sold
2020
Santa Barbara
29 W x 15” T x 6” D
Neon on vintage tin ceiling tile from NYC, on wood frame. SOLD
2020
Santa Barbara
29 W x 15” T x 6” D
Worthy - a word that resonates with so many people, reminding us that we are indeed empowered to be our authentic selves, with a strong, clear voice. Solid neon and beaded neon below: the light blue beads travel through the squiggle, underscoring the importance of this word. SOLD
2019
Santa Barbara
29 W x 15” T x 6” D
Neon on wood frame with painted wood blocks. I created this piece for my Palm Springs show in early 2020, which was during the very popular Modernism Week in the Desert. SOLD
2021
Santa Barbara
23” T x 18” x 5" D
I am fascinated by the classic neon movie theatre marquees of yesteryear. This is a tribute to that nostalgic era.
2018
Santa Barbara
36” T x 29” Circumference
Peaceful Planet is one in a series of planetary works created in 2019. Custom neon on fire patina metal sphere with custom welded metal base. SOLD
2019
Santa Barbara
35” T x 24” Circumference
This is the largest of three metal globes with which I have created planet sculptures. All the spheres in this series are from a garden in Santa Rosa that was ravaged by fire. They were originally mirror globes. The fire gave them their multi-layered planet surface patina. This planet, guided by its purple, blue and green glow is one of peace and respite. SOLD
2019
Santa Barbara
6' 7" T x 28" D x 30" W
This work is built around a vintage street light from Sacramento, California, with vintage wood stand, vintage English fence posts and custom faux cement base. It features 5 abstract neon elements inside the glass fixture.
2019
Santa Barbara
83.5” T x 51 1/8 W x 24” Deep
We all have unique definitions of what “home” means to us. Some of us make our home wherever we happen to be and with those who are with us. Some were fortunate to grow up in a house that holds precious memories that shape the rest of our life. We may enter and exit this world alone (although I think we are truly surrounded by love and souls upon all parts of our journey) but we need a place to nest; to feel safe and free to be who we are; to dream, create, explore, take risks, fail and succeed. This tin dormer spoke to me as a symbol of home. Love and gratitude are the two words that guide my life and when you combine them with home, all is peaceful and happy. I celebrate the home I grew up in; my beautiful family and the legacy of love they have given me. (Freestanding on metal base or can be hung on a wall)
2020
Santa Barbara
18" W x 23” T x 11” D
This piece is brings to life a vintage balloon mold - a wonderful piece of sculpture in itself. Certain to be the topic of intriguing conversation. A true one of kind piece!
2022
Santa Barbara
41” T x 25” W x 12" D
Collaborative sculptural work and portrait of the iconic performer Joey Arias - by George V. Wolf and Rod Lathim. Soft sculpture, neon, fabric and wood.
2022
Santa Barbara
41” T x 25” W x 12" D
Collaborative sculptural work and portrait of the iconic performer Joey Arias - by George V. Wolf and Rod Lathim. Soft sculpture, neon, fabric and wood.
Wood and soft sculpture, neon, acrylic - a collaboration with George V Wolf and Rod Lathim. A tribute to the late, iconic singer/performer Klaus Nomi
2022
Santa Barbara
25" T x 18" W x 5" D
Wood, Neon, Acrylic by Rod Lathim SOLD
2021
Santa Barbara
6' T x 6' W x 8" D
This dramatic contemporary painting is by Chris Gocong, neon by Rod Lathim. My first collaboration with Chris Gocong.
2022
Santa Barbara
4' T x 2' W x 7" D
Acrylic painting by Chris Gocong - neon by Rod Lathim. A tribute to the late. great Stephen Sondheim.
date. 2019
city. Santa Barbara
size. 35” T x 24” Circumference
This unique work is a joyful and mysterious combination of kinetic and light elements that bring the piece to life. The beaded neon double rings around the center glass saucers have a life of their own and move the beads of white light through the clear glass tubes in variations and directions. Turquoise and cobalt blue neon rings give the Ship a glow of color and internal tiny white lights are adjustable with seven different settings of movement and brightness. Let your UFO inspired imagination go wild! SOLD
2021
Santa Barbara
24” T x 24” x 5" D
One in my series of Stars - perfect for music lovers!
2022
Santa Barbara
4' T x 4' W x 7" D
Painting by Chris Goncong / Neon by Rod Lathim
SOLD
2022
Santa Barbara
29” T x 15” W x 15" D
Saxophone and beaded neon on a custom wood base SOLD
2019
Santa Barbara
18.5" W x 18.5” T x 8” D
This fun celebration of light and color is perfect for the holidays and any day of the year. It is built on a vintage metal star, made from old barn sidings.
2022
Santa Barbara
28” T x 8” W x 8" D
Vintage trumpet, neon and wooden base SOLD
2022
Santa Barbara
18” T x 10” W x 7" D
Wood, acrylic, neon. I tend to avoid politics in my art, but this piece reflects the many types of divides in our world. The light in the open space reflects the hope that our world can be whole.
2022
Santa Barbara
16” T x 12” W x 8" D
Wood, acrylic, neon. This piece was the outcome of exploring shapes cut out of scraps of wood. Neon is turquoise to the eye - the color the white surrounding surfaces are reflecting.
27” T x 11” W x 8” D
Vintage clarinet sections, kinetic beaded neon on custom wood base.
28” T x 8” W x 8” D
Vintage Trumpet, neon and custom wood base
SOLD
25” T x 7” W x 7” D
Packet trumpet, neon and custom wood base
SOLD
18” T x 19” W x 1’ D
My first experiement with neon with bubbles blown into the glass. The seawee-like colored shavings are from skateboard wheels. Bamboo from my Zen Garden holds up these odd shaped lights.
36” T x 6.5” W x 6.5” D
One of a series of Spirit Totems to capture and attract balance, peace and tranquility
7” W x 7” D x 15” T
Vintage clarinet section, clear glass pumped with argon gas, on a custom wood base.
Again, the mercury driven argon gas casting its spell on this piece - like an incantation by a wizard. Music is an incantation - it stirs our souls and takes us on mystical journeys of the mind and the heart.
36” T x 6.6” W x 6.5” D
Fused colors in neon, metal stand and custom wood base,
One of a series of solo Spirit totems to capture and attract balance, harmony and tranquility
5' T x 23” W x 22” D
Vintage Chippendale Chair, neon, custom pedestal
I suppose we have all been in the hot seat at some point… this one is for some people that come to mind who are dividing our country. (They are getting closer and closer!)
3’ T x 14.5” W x 10” D
Spirit Totems are important parts of Native American cultures. For me, light and color are healing, inspiring and powerful. These totems celebrate harmony, balance and gratitude. They bring a warm glow of peace to their surroundings and attract the attention of Ancestors.