It takes about a year from the time gourds are planted until they are mature, cured, cleaned and ready to be crafted. Each gourd is hand selected, studying its shape and texture to determine what it wants to be! As a product of nature, most gourds have "imperfections" such as bumps, indentations and assymetry. Sometimes these features are incorporated into a design; they also contribute to the uniqueness of the gourd itself. No two gourds are alike!
Lots of prep work is involved...cleaning, sanding, puttying, etc. before the creative process even begins! Once prepped, a design is lightly sketched onto the gourd. Many times I work with just acrylic paint and the gourd adding many layers to achieve detail. Other works are mixed media creations with the incorporation of clay sculpture added to the gourd. A multi-step hand-rubbed antiquing technique finishes each piece adding to the old fashioned charm.
A few gourds with a flawless patina just too pretty to cover with paint are carved/and or pyro-engraved by my husband, Bob. Translucent ink dyes are used to color allowing some of the natural mottling produced by nature to show through.
About Gourds...
Once gourds are cured, they will last a very long time with a little care. Never submerse a painted gourd in water! And do not drop the gourd on a hard surface...it may crack! If it is a holiday/seasonal piece, store in plastic container or a plastic grocery bag in a climate controlled, dry place when not in use.
Remember gourds are a product of nature and minor bumps, ridges, pinholes and other imperfections are typically found. This does not affect the quality of the piece.
Raw, dry gourds waiting to be transformed into gourd art!
Bob and Kim Gladfelter, Artists
