Melody Bigalke
I first became interested in gourd art when I took a workshop almost 20 years ago. Since that first one, I have taken many more workshops over the years.
Gourds are a natural part of nature that have been used for centuries as bowls, baskets, musical instruments, dippers, water containers, etc., both functional and decorative. They come in many shapes and sizes, from small jewelry gourds to very large bushel basket gourds. The possibilities are endless when it comes to creating beautiful pieces of art. I use many different techniques on my gourds including, but not limited to, staining with leather dyes and alcohol inks, painting with acrylics or watercolors, wood burning, carving, coiling using pine needles or Danish cord stitched with waxed linen thread, and eggshell mosaic. I am especially drawn to incorporating natural elements such as leaves and stones. Since each gourd is unique, I am not always sure what the finished piece will look like. Sometimes I have one idea in mind at the beginning, with the end result being quite different. |