Chicago - July 10, 2006

Signs, Signs, Everywhere Signs

Citizen Shay “L” Signs

He introduces you as his “pal.” Sends truncated text messages in response to your thoughtful voice mails. And invites you out with him only when it’s a group activity.

Read the signs: This is headed in the wrong direction.

Turn things around with some signs of your own. Namely, Citizen Shay’s “L” signs, a series of distressed CTA signs that will look great in any Chicago pad. (And are much more interesting than the bump on a log you’ve been chasing.)

Techno artist Citizen Shay (a.k.a. graphic designer Steve Shay) layers computer-generated image transfers and vintage “L” maps from the 1930s onto painted canvas. He then roughs up each piece to one-of-a-kind urban glory.

Shay currently makes signs for the red, brown, and blue lines, but he’s happy to take custom orders or design signs for fictional stations. So if you live in a hood that doesn’t have a namesake el stop — e.g., Roscoe Village — he’ll do something just for you.

Sigh. If only you could get that sort of attention from all your relationships.

Available at Sacred Art, 2040 West Roscoe Street, at North Seeley Avenue (773-404-8790); online at citizenshay.com.

  Artsy