Fragile
A leg lamp, a box marked “Fragile,” and the pleasure of giving meaningful objects a new light.
The leg lamp in the Christmas classic A Christmas Story reminds me that the beauty of a piece of art is in the eye of its beholder.
That lamp, arriving in its box marked “Fragile,” will always be a little piece of our childhood.
When the “Old Man” opened the box and assembled the lamp, it made his Christmas the best Christmas ever.
One Christmas season, I decided to make my very own leg lamp and display it proudly in my storefront window.
To my amazement, it became quite popular. I have since handed it down to my son to enjoy each Christmas, brightly lit for all to gaze upon.
These objects capture our memories and become a treasure trove of childhood.
Growing up in the electrical lighting industry, I made lamps from tin cans and coffee cans. They stood on my bedside table, illuminating my place of imagination—my bedroom—while I worked on drawings, puzzles, and models.
Later, as a father, I made lamps for my children. One was built around a figurine of basketball star Michael Jordan and spent many years in a room full of sports memorabilia.
With a never-ending supply of lamp parts and imagination, my children also took part in their own lamp-assembly projects.
Over time, I made custom lamps for customers, musicians, and friends, using pieces and parts that had sentimental value.
These unique lamps became conversation pieces, much like original artwork.
Creating them takes vision and purpose. It gives me great pride, as well as a sense of preservation.
In my lifetime, I have repurposed and repaired thousands of lamps. Most have sentimental value to the customer: they may have belonged to a family member, been carved from wood, or come from a thrift store. It gives me great pride to know that these lamps will keep shining for years to come and that their owners have preserved a memory.
Please enjoy these photos of a few of my projects.
“When Thomas Edison worked late into the night on the electric light, he had to do it by gas lamp or candle. I’m sure it made the work seem that much more urgent.” — George Carlin
Christmas has also inspired my Santa Claus paintings and cards. For another family tradition, see Pumpkin Art.
Subscribe to my newsletter for new artwork and the stories behind it.