Enhancing Nature's Creations
Introduction
How It Happens
Life has afforded me the opportunity to express my artistic abilities in various mediums such as paint, pencil, clay, wood, fabric, beads, weaving, and sound. For the last two and a half decades, gourds have been my primary canvas, serving as a foundation for my handcrafted art. While I can create with all these materials on a gourd, these humble gourds have brought me full circle. They were once common in my early life, yet during challenging times, they provided stability and strength, helping me return to essential understandings. I am deeply grateful for the unique gifts that the little gourd has offered me.
Almost all of the gourds I use are grown in the southwest, where the long growing season and above-average temperatures yield the best results for my work. I've occasionally used high-quality gourds from other regions, but those from my favorite farms truly excel in what I create.
When I begin to work with a particular gourd, it often diverges from what I originally imagined at the farm. As I hold it in my hands, new ideas emerge—it's as if the gourd is guiding me. Although I may not envision the final piece at the outset, it slowly unfolds as I work. Sometimes, I am surprised by the transformations that occur, which is why I might sit with a gourd for a while, waiting for it to reveal what it wants to become. Most of my gourds come from Welburn's Gourd Farm in Fallbrook, CA, or Wuertz Gourd Farm in Casa Grande, AZ. Each of these cultural art farms grows high-quality gourds that meet my specific needs and have their unique qualities.
I often incorporate natural and found objects into my creations, including pine needles from trees across the Sierras, acorns from along the Mokelumne River, stones collected from various adventures, and leaves from cherished locations. Additionally, items gifted or exchanged at events have made their way into my finished pieces over the years. Each gourd is unique, just as the handcrafted art I create upon them. If something you see sparks your interest or you have an idea for a custom piece, please contact me via email or find me at one of my events listed on the events page. Thank you for stopping by!
