Golden Gourds - Pamela Forbes
Pam Forbes, Golden Gourds, has created a
line of wonderfully crafted gourds which are carefully tended in her
greenhouse. After they mature they are left to dry out completely. Only
when they are really dried out does she begin the work of decorating
them by either pyrography (woodburning), carving or cutting them to
create bowls and then painting and adding bits of beading, string etc.
Some of the small ones are brightly painted and the seeds inside make it
a rattle. Pam has also taken photos of her gourds that create an
interesting pattern. These are also available at the gallery.
Artist statement:
I became interested in gourds because of their flowing curvy shapes reminiscent of landscape. Their natural forms are pleasing and they need only a good cleaning to be beautiful. I keep a few whole ones lying around my houseplants for decoration. I also have been taking close-up photographs emphasizing their outlines. Each is unique so that no handiwork made from them can ever be the same.
Even before the gourds are done growing, they will begin to suggest different uses for themselves. Some are the right size for birdhouses which are a popular use for them. Others can be cut open into bowls and baskets, or pieced together into goblets or Viking ships. Gourds can be decorated with paints, wood stains, and/or a wood burner. The possibilities are as wide and varied as the imagination.
Visit Golden Gourds.