It is our differences that make us individual and memorable. My figurative illustrations are intended to invoke an appreciation of our differences. A mixed media artist with a passion for natural elements, I work predominantly with gourds, and combine traditional gourd art techniques with an unconventional twist. My figures are whimsical and unusual. They are all, by virtue of the content and contents, one-of-a-kind pieces.
I rarely start a new doll with more than a general idea. Like cloud watchers find fantastic images, I am often gifted with a gourd’s intention, and we find our way together. It is delightful to meet my characters during the process.
I render details with free-hand pyrography. The rich, earthy tones of my color signature are created by the marriage of transparent inks with the natural colors and blemishes provided by the gourds. It is the blemishes and completely individual shapes that make this my favorite medium.
These ancient vegetables were likely some of the first dolls on earth. It is my ambition to bring a few of them back to life as art dolls. It shouldn’t be too hard. After all, there’s magic in every new gourdpile.