Connections 2 (2005)

About the Artist:
The vessel as a form has always appealed to me. This holds true for vessels fashioned from diverse materials, whether of wood, ceramic, metal, glass, paper or fibre. Sometimes it’s the vessel composed of truly unusual and unexpected materials that I find especially fascinating and inspiring.

Several years ago I indulged my attraction to vessels by creating papier-mâché bowls using both layered and paper pulp methods. However, it was my introduction to hard-shelled gourds five years ago and to their potential for being transformed into art pieces that really hooked me and developed my present passion.

I have since been introduced to a growing community of talented gourd artists both in Canada, in the United States and as far away as Australia, all of whom share this passion. I am a member of both the Canadian and American Gourd Societies.

Artist's Statement:
Initially the gourds that I work on appear an unlikely choice for transformation into art. Covered in black mould, part of the drying process, the gourd’s true potential comes through only when that’s scrubbed off, sometimes revealing an intricate pattering on the shell. Each gourd I work on inspires me differently depending on its shape, size, natural colouring and patterning. It’s as if the gourd itself guides me through the creative process.

My experience with gourds as art has been and continues to be an enriching and stimulating one. There are forever new things to learn and new techniques and media to try. It is humbling yet inspiring knowing that working with these organic vessels is part of a process that has been around for so long and throughout much of the world.

Exhibitions:
4th Annual International WWW Gourd Show; May 2005, 2nd place win in mixed media category.
Canadian Gourd Society's Festival: 2004, 2003, 2002