How do I use the rechargeable light that came with my  gourd art sculpture?

If gourd art sculpture that you purchased or received is lit by a lamplight that runs on a rechargeable battery, you have options!

1. You can keep your gourd art sculpture lit all the time by plugging it into an outlet with the included charging block & 3-foot charging cable (or add an extension cord if needed, of course).   

2. You can unplug the charging cable and still use your lighted gourd art sculpture in the middle of a table, on a bookshelf, or anywhere away from an outlet.  The battery should last for about 6 hours before needing a recharge.

Whichever way you choose, you must have the light switched to the “on” position at the actual “lamp”.  To do this, carefully lift the gourd art sculpture off its base.  You will find the lamp switch on the side of the white lamp.  It has 3 settings (On, Off & Auto).  The “Auto” setting is a motion-sensor setting that is disabled by the presence of the gourd art sculpture.  Therefore, while it might light the lamp momentarily, it will not be effective for more than a few minutes at that setting.  Be sure to use only the “On” & “Off” settings for reliable lighting.

My gourd light came with an LED candle or small replaceable battery light. How is that different?

The smaller gourd lights are sold solely as luminaries and do not plug in to an outlet.  Most of them are attached to the base by magnet.  The light is turned on either by holding both sides of the light and twisting to the right or by moving the switch on the underside of the LED candle.  The batteries on these lights are not rechargeable but they are replaceable.

Can I use any other kind of light with my gourd art sculpture?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any LED light that fits well inside your gourd art sculpture.  LED candles are absolutely stunning with them!  Just be sure to NEVER use a flame candle with your gourd art sculpture.  Do not even use an incandescent light.  After all, some people make paper from gourds - they are as flammable as dry wood.

What if I need a replacement light?

If your light fails, send me an email.  Depending on the amount of time you have had your gourd art sculpture we can work out the terms of a replacement light.

There are blemishes on my gourd art sculpture.  Did something go wrong?

Nothing went wrong - the blemishes are natural.  They are evidence that the gourd had a life before it became a gourd art sculpture. If you look carefully at the gourd’s form, you will see thick areas and thin, clear sections and sections with blemishes, perfect symmetry and asymmetric form - all in the same entity.  In addition to blemishes you might find dents, bulges, warts, and even tumors.  All of these unique characteristics reveal times when the gourd struggled but endured as well as times when it flourished & thrived.  That is a big part of the beauty of gourd art!  (See my Artist Statement for my thoughts on the gourd’s journey to becoming art). 

Can I use my lighted gourd art sculpture outside?

You should only use one of my gourd art sculptures indoors.  If you want to use it outdoors, it should be on an extremely limited basis & on a very dry surface.  For example, on top of a table, not in the blazing hot sun or moist weather, and only for the duration of an event.  Take note that gourds are extremely light weight and will be blown over by even a slight breeze.

Where indoors is the best place for my lighted gourd art sculpture?

You can use your lighted gourd art sculpture almost anywhere indoors.  It is protected from ultraviolet light with a water-based polyurethane, so a reasonable amount of sunlight from a window should not be a problem, and it looks so pretty, filtered through the carved filigree holes.  Of course intense sunlight on a constant basis could cause fading over time, so use good judgment.  (And of course a very high humidity area like the bathroom or a shelf over a stove while cooking spaghetti would not be ideal for any artwork).

Depending on its size & shape, you might also enjoy placing your gourd luminary at different heights, on a wide - enough, stable candle holder.  

How do I care for my gourd art sculpture?

Your gourd art sculpture does not need any particular care.  But remember that it is a piece of art, so you should treat it gently & not use any cleansers on it.  A feather duster or soft, dry cloth should be enough to dust it off with on occasion.

How long does it take you to make a gourd art sculpture?

Depending on the size, complexity, and the original state of the gourd when I begin, it can take anywhere from 10 hours to 60 hours to make a typical gourd art sculpture.  I plan on carving a giant gourd sometime soon, and I expect that will take hundreds of hours, but that is the exception.  

Most of my gourd art sculptures have a QR code on the bottom of the base.  If you scan the code you will be able to view a video of that exact gourd, as it is carved, burned, inked, and crafted into the gourd art sculpture that it has become.

Where can I buy a lighted gourd art sculpture?

My work is available continuously at Red Tulip Gallery in New Hope, PA and through their online store as well.

I also occasionally participate in art exhibits, which I post on social media.  Connect with me on Instagram or Facebook for updates (links at the foot of this & every page)!

How much does a lighted gourd art sculpture cost?

Most of my lighted gourd art sculptures are priced between $125 and $800, but there are exceptions on both ends of the spectrum.

Do you grow your own gourds?

I do not grow my own - I get all of my gourds from a gourd farmer in Kinzers, Pennsylvania