Most
of the sculptures do not require any assembly at all, especially
most of the wall mounted work. However, those sculptures that incorporate
single-ended neon tubes generally require a simple assembly. It
is important to finish the assembly completely before plugging the
sculpture into the electric outlet.
The single-ended neon tubes mount by insertion into pyrex glass
housings. The brass cap at the electrode end of the neon tube is
inserted into the pyrex housing deep enough to establish contact
with the brass spring inside the housing. This establishes the electrical
contact necessary to light the tube. It is important that contact
is made with the spring and that no gap exists between the spring
and the brass electrode cap. The black (or sometimes white) rubber
electrode cover snaps over the lip of the pyrex housing to seat
the tube securely into the housing. The electrode cover may require
a minor adjustment - up or down- on the tube to provide a secure
seating into the housing.
If the sculpure also includes a blown glass component, it is sometimes
necessary to place the glass in place before inserting the tube
or vice versa. In most cases the glass component will be secure
in its placement without additional measures. If there is any question
of instability or if the glass will be at risk for being knocked
over, the application of a small amount of museum gel will secure
the glass safely to its base. Museum gel is a clear, inexpensive,
removable adhesive that secures glass to most other materials. It
is fantastic stuff! The gel is available on the internet and in
many art supply houses. It can also be purchased from the artist.
Assembly of the other sculptures is generally not necessary. In
those cases in which someone wishes to disassemble a sculpture to
replace a broken neon tube or other component, please contact the
artist directly before doing so.
Please remember to always disconnect the sculpture from electricity
before assembly or disassembly of the sculpture to prevent shocks.
