How did you first discover gourd art?
I had seen the typical gourd birdhouse in magazines on many occasions and purchased my first raw gourd at Pingles Farm in Oshawa, ON. I've been honing my craft ever since. Gourds are my passion.
When did you begin making your own gourd creations & why?
I started late in 2006 and each gourd presented their own individual inspiration. I thrive on the challenge of an extraordinarily shaped gourd, i.e., the wartie gourd.
What types of things do you make with gourds? What influences or inspires your art?
I create various items from bowls to birdfeeders - basically, both functional and decorative. I'm trying to appeal to a wide audience as I am currently involved in an assortment of shows and functions throughout the year. I have a variety of themes including fantasy art, Native influence, whimsical, floral/fauna, etc., incorporating mainly acrylic painting, some woodburning, sculpting with various mediums, carving and embellishments. Basically, each gourd presents itself as its own unique inspiration, due in part to the fact that I am surrounded by nature, in all its glory, in my own backyard.
Tell a little about yourself:
am a self-taught painter, originating from Toronto, ON. I had an incredible career teaching acrylic painting and have recently moved to the Land 'O Lakes Region. I've always enjoyed and appreciated nature and incorporate my surroundings into my creations. I have been involved in a number of shows which were very successful and was honoured to be included in the Arts by the Lake Show in Sharbot Lake in August 2007. I am a member of the Land 'O Lakes Artisans Guild, a newly formed guild as of February 2007. Their website is www.landolakesartisans.org. I have also established a gallery website and currently working on my personal site at this time.
