Scale Model Lighthouses at Arts and Crafts Festival - July 27, 2007

By Erin Mangeruga

Lighthouses have captivated the attention
of onlookers for as long as they have been standing. Majestic and sturdy, they have come to symbolize guidance, hope, and safe returns. They dot the coasts all over the world, proudly standing beside the sea, sending a warm beacon of light to guide ships to safety. It is no wonder that they continue to attract the curiosity of many people, whether to simply admire, or as the subject matter in artistic endeavors.

Steven Wright is a retired police officer who became fascinated with lighthouses after a trip with his wife Beth, to Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia. The history of this particular lighthouse was the beginning of what would become his hobby and obsession.

Wright's first attempt at recreating the lighthouse in Chincoteague was a way to conjure up the feelings of peace and tranquility he felt on their vacation. His life was often busy and chaotic, with time divided between being a police officer and a volunteer firefighter. His first replica of the Assateague lighthouse, although crude in comparison to his newer creations, is a reminder of where his passion began.

"My first artistic experience was finger painting," says Wright. "It's hard to say when I stopped dabbling in the arts and started creating, but I've been doing it since I was a kid".

He established his company, American Lawn Lights, in June 2004 and retired from civil service in August 2005. His business is strictly about creating the lighthouses. He explains that he has always enjoyed working with wood in his free time, whether to build decks, sheds, furniture or other similar items. Although still volunteering his time as a firefighter, he is able to devote the majority of his time and energy to being a full time crafter.

Wright since learned from experience what techniques and materials do or do not work in replica construction. Currently, the replica lighthouses are made primarily of cedar wood. He uses an exterior light fixture for the lantern rooms. His railings are made from reinforced plastic resin or brass and copper. Fine detail items such as windows and gallery supports are also made of plastic resin.

Wright described the very detailed series of steps followed to craft the final product.

"I first make the part, then make a rubber mold and cast multiple parts so the details remain identical. I compound miter cut the cedar wood and glue up the body like building a wooden barrel. Then I turn the body on a wood lathe to get round bodies. The wood is then primed and sealed with an oil based primer and painted with exterior paint, anywhere from three to five coats depending on color and coverage."

When asked whether his replicas come from a drawing, photo or lingering memory, he says, "I make all of my replicas from photos of the actual lighthouse. I take my scale from the light fixture I use and build the body in proportion."

Due to their limited production and detailed craftsmanship, they have the potential to become collectors' pieces. Wright handcrafts and builds to order and each one is signed and numbered for proof of authenticity.

Wright's lighthouses are amazingly realistic duplicates to the original versions. When viewing a photograph of one of his creations, it takes close examination to determine the fact that it is a small scale version, rather than an actual full scale lighthouse.

"I've visited most of the lights that I build, and then some, but have done several from photos only. As long as I can get 360 degrees of photo showing the details, I can build a lighthouse replica.

Wright and his wife are members of the American Lighthouse Foundation. By providing his lighthouses for the foundation's fund-raising events, he is not only providing a customer with a unique ornament for their home, but also helping to raise money to preserve lighthouses and their history.

Wright will have his lighthouses on display and available for purchase at the 18th annual Long Beach Island Foundation for the Arts and Sciences Arts and Crafts Festival, Saturday, July 28 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, July 29 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Loveladies. Admission to the fund-raiser is $5 to browse the approximately 150 artisans and crafters.

"Of course, my Barnegat Lighthouse replica will be on display," Wright remarked.

For more information, visit Wright at americanlawnlights.com. For details on the arts and crafts festival, visit lbifoundation.org or call 494-1241.

Erin Mangeruga of Manahawkin has a B.A. in art history and an M.A. in education. Submit your suggestions to art_lover8@yahoo.com.