Hot Off the Vine art vessels utilize hard shelled gourds. The Lageneria family of gourds are related to cucumbers, squash and pumpkins. They have been used by mankind for many thousands of years in the form of bowls, containers and musical instruments.
I love themes from nature, and do some Celtic and Native American designs as well. Many of my ideas come from photos and clipart done through extensive computer research.
All the artwork starts with free-hand pencil drawings that are roughed in; and then the real work begins. Each design is painstakingly burned into the shell using the ancient art of pyrography (wood burning). Pyrography is Latin for "fire writing". That's why I call my studio Hot Off the Vine.
While most of my pieces are left with the natural color of gourd to act as a background for the artwork, some gourds are enhanced with color. I use colored pencils, acrylics, water color pencils, ink dyes and permanent pens depending on the effect that is needed. Other designs have pine needle coiling, leather, hemp lacing, or raffia collars. Power carving, fretwork (cutouts) and clay are also used to enhance the natural beauty of the gourds.
WHAT PEOPLE ASK ME!!!
The gourds are not stenciled or traced. I do use reference materials like lots of photos. No two are exactly alike - each piece is signed, and titled. They are pyroengraved with a woodburning pen using stippling, shading, cross hatching and other drawing techniques - a time consuming effort.
No, I don't burn myself - that was a one time experience! Lesson learned!
I do not grow gourds but leave that up to growers who have the time and dedication to produce these wonderful "canvasses" for us to work on. Most of my gourds are purchased online from vendors I trust for great gourds.
The Birds and the Beads
Carolina Wren, Cardinal and Blue Jay
Kettle gourd cut as a vase. Pyrography with inks, acrylics and leather dye.
Award Winner
See additional photos
on Gallery II page
Rainforest Duo
Kettle gourd, two tropical parrots. Enhanced with wood stains and color pencil. 10.5 in. tall, 25 in. circum. SOLD
Mountain Patchwork
Canteen gourd with a collage of mountain images. - black bear, leaves, woodpecker, forest scene. SOLD
My music playlist is at the bottom of each page. You can choose your
favorite or turn down your speakers. Hope you enjoy the tour - Sandy
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