Artist Statement
Both artists believe gourds possess an inherent beauty. Their unique methods of magnifying these natural vessels begins with the fluid undulating top cuts that produce the rim for the textured fiber wraps. First, the skins are hand rubbed, field stained and waxed before the woven accents of linen, fiber rush and yarn are applied. Materials natural to the grasslands and forests of the Midwest, such as dried plant material and woodland fungi, are often used as additional embellishments. The fibers are frequently adorned with hand made beads from around the world. Although their wooded studio site, located in Naperville, Illinois, does not promote growing the sun-loving gourds, it does afford ideal conditions for growing shade-loving hostas, wild flowers, and other woodland plants. The symmetry and balance of these plants and trees are often inspiration for much of their gourd art work. Their finished pieces are the result of the couples’ shared talents and aesthetic values.
Festivals
Chicago Botanic Garden Art Festival
Booth Numbers
Chicago Botanic Garden Art Festival: 93