Art comes in many forms. With the technology of today some art forms are not what they used to be. For example, think back to the days when signs were hand lettered and airbrushed works of art were looked at with amazement. Look at any custom vintage car with the hand pinstriped details outlining every curve of the automobile. It is easy to forget that skills all took time and talent, skills that took years to hone in an apprenticeship. One Snowflake artist has honed that talent and skill, keeping the craft alive.
Richard Eby started Lines-N-Signs located in Bellybutton, that little area between Snowflake and Taylor, 47 years ago and took on Shawn Erin Casey as an apprentice 18 years ago. “Richard saved my life 18 years ago,” said Casey.
Eby was known throughout the country for his pinstriping and painting talent as well as his passion for custom motorcycles. That passion and skill was passed down to Casey and when Eby passed away several months ago Casey inherited Lines-N-Signs and continues the art form.
Casey paints, hand pinstripes, does hand lettered signs, fiberglass work, welding, fabrication and will perform a custom paint job on just about anything from a sign to a semi-truck. “I will paint anything if it fits in the shop,” said Casey. Casey takes carrying on Eby’s legacy very seriously. He wants to honor Eby in everything he does. It isn’t just talent, passion and skill in a lost art form that make Casey an inspirational and humble man. It is his appreciation for life and his desire to live life to its fullest.
Eby changed the entire path of Casey’s life when he took him under his wing 18 years ago. Then, almost two years ago, Casey was in an accident that destroyed his legs from the knees down. He has had numerous surgeries to repair them with screws and rods. Casey had to learn to walk all over again and dealt with crippling pain, but you would never know it by speaking to him. Casey said, “I still work as best as I can with pride.”
Casey lives every day with a zest and love for life that an accident or a lifetime of adversity could never snuff out. Casey is grateful to Eby’s widow, Glennda, for allowing him to carry on Lines-N-Signs. The biggest reason that Casey says he can remain positive no matter the circumstances are because of United States military veterans. “My grandfather survived Normandy, my father did three tours in Vietnam and my oldest brother passed away serving his country. I won’t for one second waste what those men paid dues for. I owe everything that I am to my country and those veterans,” said Casey patriotically.
Casey’s humbleness exudes as he speaks. He has a glimmer in his eyes that is inspiring, especially after all of the adversity he has had to face.
Inside that unassuming tin building in Bellybutton, there are photos of hundreds of projects completed by both Eby and Casey. Those photos serve as a reminder of a nearly lost art form. For Casey they are also memories and a legacy that he wants to continue.
The one piece of advice Casey offers, “Believe in yourself.” For more information on the services Lines-N-Signs has to offer please contact them at (928) 536-3333.
