Garden Home Art
One-of-a-kind creations for a richer life
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Choosing a Fountain
The Trend in Fountains
Indoor Fountains I
Indoor Fountains II
Table Top Fountains
"Thank you for the opportunity of owning one of your creations.
Barbara Pearce
"Thanks for the new fountain, it works great and is beautiful. Thanks again for everything!!!
"Keith,
I just received my fountain yesterday. It's absolutely beautiful and all three cats drink out of it now. My roommate commented that she was surprised that it was so quiet. And, most importantly for me, it's a wonderful aural and visual display to come home to after a long day at work. Thank you for a wonderful product."
Ling
Purchasing a Fountain, by Keith Davitt
Purchasing a Fountain can (but shouldn't) be a frustrating experience, especially when done online. Does it really look like the pictures? Do the pictures hide the fact that the cord from the pump goes over the top and is unsightly? Is the pump noisy? Does the fountain actually work well? Does it splash or leak? What is the fountain made of? Is it some resin material, or plastic? Does the fountain make a pleasant sound?
I have been designing and building indoor fountains for six years, cat fountains for two years and outdoor water gardens for more than twenty years. I have encountered every problem possible in the creation of fountains and water gardens and if there is one thing I cannot endure, it is a water problem.
This is why it has taken me several years to bring my fountain creations to market. There were several problems that needed to be solved, and solved well before I was ready to offer my fountains for sale. Here I'd like to share some of that process with you. If you are thinking of buying a fountain you may find this useful.
I used to purchase fountains and kits for making the table-top type of fountain - small, with a bowl, some rocks and maybe a plant or two, but I was always disappointed by two things. The bowl did not allow the cord to exit discreetly and unseen, but was always over the top, and the pump usually made a humming sound. I was also not thrilled by the styles, the designs of the fountains.
While creating the ceramic fountain bowl I make the hole for the watertight electrical feed-through after the bowl has been thrown and dried a bit. The feedthrough will be permanently attached through the hole in the bottom of the vessel and through this the cord will exit, permitting easy replacement of the pump, should that ever become necessary. The feedthrough is secured in place after the bowl has been fired and glaze fired, with an industrial product not available in stores which is completely plant and animal safe. (You can have fish in these fountains if you like - (I do) or drink from it yourself, should the mood take you.)
The other issue of sound is vital to me. I cannot stand unpleasant noise of any kind and a hum in a fountain spoils it. A great deal of research went into finding the right pump that is small enough to be easily hidden, strong enough to provide good water flow and is quiet. All pumps make a humming and most fountains you buy will have this humming sound but because of the way my fountains are constructed there is no pump sound. Sometimes there can be a vibration between the fountain vessel and the surface it is placed on if the surface is particularly resonant, but this is easily resolved by placing some buffer, a piece of material, for example, under the fountain. If I make a fountain that seems like it may vibrate on a resonant surface, I attach a rubber gasket to the bottom which I make to fit the fountain. It doesn't show.
The fountains with the built-in planters are done differently and do not need to use a feedthrough yet these two have the pump cord exiting invisibly from the bottom side, not over the top and with these fountains and cat fountains the pump is also easily replaced.
The issue of design is an ongoing adventure. I try to make the most beautiful fountains possible and I am always seeking and trying new designs. I invite suggestions, should you have any. In fact, a number of people have asked for a particular look and I have made them custom fountains to order.
The vast majority (read, almost all) fountains found online are manufactured, are made of artificial materials and have the pump cord going over the rim. I believe my fountains and cat fountains are the best in the world. They not only must work and look as advertised, you must really love the fountain you purchase from Garden Home Art or you may return it within one month for a complete refund, including shipping.
Below are a couple of excerpts from articles I've written on fountains.
Why a fountain?
Water is the essence of life and fountains and water gardens are meant to display water beautifully, that we may see, hear and experience that magical medium that makes up so much of ourselves and our world. Fountains have been integral and indispensable to the creation of beauty in landscapes and architecture from the Egyptians to the present day. Here is what a licensed acupuncturist has to say about her fountain:
"My water garden from Garden Home Art is a beautiful addition to my studio. Patients enjoy the soft, soothing sound of running water when they receive acupuncture. I highly recommend a water garden made by Keith Davitt for doctors, therapists and massage therapists' offices or anywhere an atmosphere of calmness is wanted. These fountains aren't only a theraputic tool, they are also beautiful art."
Elixabeth Call, MS, L.Ac.- Licensed Acupuncturist (National Board Certified in Acupuncture, - Greenwich, New York.
To hear what one of our fountains sounds like, play the video, below.
The Trend in Fountains
Indoor Fountains I
Indoor Fountains II
Table Top Fountains
"Thank you for the opportunity of owning one of your creations.
Barbara Pearce
"Thanks for the new fountain, it works great and is beautiful. Thanks again for everything!!!
"Keith,
I just received my fountain yesterday. It's absolutely beautiful and all three cats drink out of it now. My roommate commented that she was surprised that it was so quiet. And, most importantly for me, it's a wonderful aural and visual display to come home to after a long day at work. Thank you for a wonderful product."
Ling
Purchasing a Fountain, by Keith Davitt
Purchasing a Fountain can (but shouldn't) be a frustrating experience, especially when done online. Does it really look like the pictures? Do the pictures hide the fact that the cord from the pump goes over the top and is unsightly? Is the pump noisy? Does the fountain actually work well? Does it splash or leak? What is the fountain made of? Is it some resin material, or plastic? Does the fountain make a pleasant sound?
I have been designing and building indoor fountains for six years, cat fountains for two years and outdoor water gardens for more than twenty years. I have encountered every problem possible in the creation of fountains and water gardens and if there is one thing I cannot endure, it is a water problem.
This is why it has taken me several years to bring my fountain creations to market. There were several problems that needed to be solved, and solved well before I was ready to offer my fountains for sale. Here I'd like to share some of that process with you. If you are thinking of buying a fountain you may find this useful.
I used to purchase fountains and kits for making the table-top type of fountain - small, with a bowl, some rocks and maybe a plant or two, but I was always disappointed by two things. The bowl did not allow the cord to exit discreetly and unseen, but was always over the top, and the pump usually made a humming sound. I was also not thrilled by the styles, the designs of the fountains.
While creating the ceramic fountain bowl I make the hole for the watertight electrical feed-through after the bowl has been thrown and dried a bit. The feedthrough will be permanently attached through the hole in the bottom of the vessel and through this the cord will exit, permitting easy replacement of the pump, should that ever become necessary. The feedthrough is secured in place after the bowl has been fired and glaze fired, with an industrial product not available in stores which is completely plant and animal safe. (You can have fish in these fountains if you like - (I do) or drink from it yourself, should the mood take you.)
The other issue of sound is vital to me. I cannot stand unpleasant noise of any kind and a hum in a fountain spoils it. A great deal of research went into finding the right pump that is small enough to be easily hidden, strong enough to provide good water flow and is quiet. All pumps make a humming and most fountains you buy will have this humming sound but because of the way my fountains are constructed there is no pump sound. Sometimes there can be a vibration between the fountain vessel and the surface it is placed on if the surface is particularly resonant, but this is easily resolved by placing some buffer, a piece of material, for example, under the fountain. If I make a fountain that seems like it may vibrate on a resonant surface, I attach a rubber gasket to the bottom which I make to fit the fountain. It doesn't show.
The fountains with the built-in planters are done differently and do not need to use a feedthrough yet these two have the pump cord exiting invisibly from the bottom side, not over the top and with these fountains and cat fountains the pump is also easily replaced.
The issue of design is an ongoing adventure. I try to make the most beautiful fountains possible and I am always seeking and trying new designs. I invite suggestions, should you have any. In fact, a number of people have asked for a particular look and I have made them custom fountains to order.
The vast majority (read, almost all) fountains found online are manufactured, are made of artificial materials and have the pump cord going over the rim. I believe my fountains and cat fountains are the best in the world. They not only must work and look as advertised, you must really love the fountain you purchase from Garden Home Art or you may return it within one month for a complete refund, including shipping.
Below are a couple of excerpts from articles I've written on fountains.
Why a fountain?
Water is the essence of life and fountains and water gardens are meant to display water beautifully, that we may see, hear and experience that magical medium that makes up so much of ourselves and our world. Fountains have been integral and indispensable to the creation of beauty in landscapes and architecture from the Egyptians to the present day. Here is what a licensed acupuncturist has to say about her fountain:
"My water garden from Garden Home Art is a beautiful addition to my studio. Patients enjoy the soft, soothing sound of running water when they receive acupuncture. I highly recommend a water garden made by Keith Davitt for doctors, therapists and massage therapists' offices or anywhere an atmosphere of calmness is wanted. These fountains aren't only a theraputic tool, they are also beautiful art."
Elixabeth Call, MS, L.Ac.- Licensed Acupuncturist (National Board Certified in Acupuncture, - Greenwich, New York.
To hear what one of our fountains sounds like, play the video, below.
To listen to one of our fountains play the video below.
| The lovely sound of water |
According to the principles of Fung Shui, water is one of the five essential elements necessary for health and prosperity. The other four are wood, earth, fire and metal. This makes our WaterFlower fountains complete Fung Shui entities as they are made of earth, fired in the kiln, have copper WaterFlowers and planters in which you may grow miniature shrubs and trees. (We offer these in our Store.)
How they are made
The vessels for the fountains are all hand made, usually thrown on the wheel and then hand formed in various ways to create the planting pockets and other details. The copper WaterFlowers that are a part of some of the indoor fountains (outdoor fountains will be available beginning in April, 2010) and water gardens are made through a fairly elaborate process. The leaves and 'flowers' are cut by hand from copper sheet, the edges are ground and filed, the form is hammered (chased), then prepared for enameling.
The stem of the WaterFlower is heated with an oxygen/acetylene torch to cherry red to make it malleable so it can be shaped. This is called annealing. The stem is then formed to fit the bowl in a graceful arc. All the copper is then pickled to remove all oxides, rinsed and the leaves and flowers scoured in preparation for Enameling.
Choosing a Fountain
The Trend in Fountains
Indoor Fountains I
Indoor Fountains II
Table Top Fountains
Indoor Fountains in the Home and Studio:
Indoor water fountains can do a lot to transform static homes, offices and studio spaces into peaceful, tranquil yet lively environments with the delicious sound of flowing water. Fountains have been used for their relaxing and healing properties since the beginning of civilization from China to Western Europe.
More recently, indoor fountains and table top fountains have been celebrated for their Feng Shui qualities as well, and are said to release beneficial negative ions into the air. Tabletop fountains not only add the wonderful sounds of water to a space, they can add tremendous visual impact to your home or office decor, either adding 'pop' by contrasting or deepening the rooms feeling by harmonizing with the surroundings. They make wonderful focal pieces and can contribute to whatever mood or theme you want by the type of fountain you choose. We offer several styles of fountains including those with the enameled Waterflowers, without built-in planters, waterfall fountains with built-in planters and the bubble-up fountains with planting pockets and the bubbler fountain without the planting pockets..
In addition Garden Home Art is one the only sources offering custom fountains. All our fountains are completely handmade from stoneware, each fountain is unique and you can specify the dimensions, color family and other attributes and we will create your fountain as you would like it at no extra cost. We can do this because all our fountains are handmade and one-of-a-kind.
If you have a studio where you practice acupuncture, chiropracture or another discipline intended to bring peace and stability to your patients you will find our fountains a considerable aid in your efforts. Elizabeth Call, an acupuncturist practicing in upstate New York has a lovely amethyst fountain in her studio and says: "My patients really like the sound, and it is so beautiful..." She keeps it running constantly for the beneficial effects it has in the atmosphere.
Another factor to consider when choosing a fountain is how and of what it is made. A mass produced fountain (as nearly all fountains are) can never have the quality, the authenticity and general good feeling of a handmade product made from natural materials. In addition, our fountains have the pump cord coming out of the bottom of the fountain, not over the top as almost all other makes of table top fountain do. And with our unique design the pump can be easily replaced, should that become necessary (they are very long lasting). All our fountains have a 100%, complete satisfaction guarantee.
With our fountains you can beautify your home, office or studio and transform it into a space that you, your family and visitors find enticing and comforting. Feng Shui teachings (which literally means Wind and Water) is practiced now by thousands of interior decorators who ardently advocate the use fountains in your interiors to create rooms that have a positive impact upon all who enter.
Table Top Fountains:
A table fountain will add beauty to any room! You will find that not only will a fountain add beauty to your living spaces, a table water fountain in your bedroom or on your desk at work will help you relax and relieve stress throughout the day or evening and will humidify the room and drowned out annoying sounds
Easy Operation and Installation
All our fountains run on standard electric current, use very little electricity and require no plumbing or handyman skills. Most come ready to go, just add water, plug in and hit the switch. As long as the table has adequate room, a tabletop water fountain will make a fine addition. Decorative elements such as table top fountains are oftentimes associated with the very wealthy but in truth, fountains are suitable for and appreciated by everyone.
Appropriate for all occasions and places
Tabletop fountains can bring out the elegance in any environment. We make a variety of styles at a wide range of prices to accommodate most any budget. Take a look at the many fountains and cat fountains we offer, you're likely to find several that suit you. These creations should be selected not only to fit a room but to fit your tastes as well. Be sure to consider the cat fountains if looking for an indoor fountain and if looking for a cat fountain, be sure to look at our fountains gallery. Most fountains are suitable for cats or a cat and all cat fountains make great table top fountains.
Wonderfully Soothing Sounds
Tabletop water fountains are often used to provide an aural dimension to a room's ambiance, contributing through this other dimension to the decor of the setting. The different kinds of fountains create different sounds and all the fountains can be adjusted in several ways to modulate that wonderful sound. For example, all the fountains have an adjustable pump for a greater or lesser flow. Also, putting more or less water in the vessel changes the sound and in the bubbler type fountain, if you completely cover the spout of water it can be silent yet still show dancing, moving water. By adjusting the shells the waterflowers or waterflakes you can also adjust the sound.
Whether you are new and just experimenting with indoor decor, or whether you’re a seasoned artist when it comes to creating harmonious home interiors, table top fountains are an excellent accessory from an aesthetic, and beneficial point of view.
These lovely and inexpensive fountains make a wonderful focal point for any room, or for one section of a room, such as a corner, or the center of a furniture grouping. The sounds of water in motion have long been acknowledged in both ancient and modern cultures as a way to soothe frazzled nerves, and provide a continuous, pleasant sound to induce relaxation for those in the room. To view all our fountains, go to our Store.
