Nate Sheaffer studied sculpture under Jerry Noe and Robert Howard at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Upon graduation in 1986, he opened a neon studio and has been making neon art, creating innovative spaces and manufacturing neon signage ever since. Collaborative works with Louis St, Lewis led to successful shows in Durham, Chapel Hill, Charlotte and New Orleans. The duo have also contributed work to Live Nation venues across the country, embellishing bar areas and defining VIP spaces. Nates solo work has focused on social inequity issues using sound and motion to stimulate viewers response and hold their attention. His new works integrate simplistic representation of imagery tied to victorian concepts with twist geared to stimulate dialog relevant to LGBTQIA+ issues. Another aspect of his work concerns modern technology disguised with mid-century re-purposed vintage signage, conveying direct messaging intended to stimulate discussion of topics germane to the struggles of marginalized peoples, as well as make light of the burdensome weight under which traditional art forms have struggled.

His New Orleans studio, Big Sexy Neon, is located at 1618 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard