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 Kate Venus Pyroengraved Gourds |
I am the sole creator of each of the gourd pieces
on display. No one assists me except for the people who grow some of the
gourds I use. I grow the majority of the gourds. Pyroengraving is a burning technique. I use a burning pen with interchangeable points to apply the entire design. I start with completely dried, hard-shelled gourds, species lagenaria. After removing the outer skin I am ready to draw the basics of the design on the gourd with pencil freehand or to reconstruct or struct the |
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gourd in a different
format from its natural growth. For instance, I attach a neck stem
to a bowl bottom to make a figure form. When burning is completed,
color by way of leather dye, wood stain, permanent ink or paint may
be applied. Also, beads or other objects may be attached depending
on the piece. Interiors are finished with several coats of shellac.
Exteriors are finished with a water-based UV protective varnish. My inspiration comes from a fascination with geometric patterns and a respect for the intelligence of nature. Ideas are sketched and developed on paper first, but especially in the case of the figures, the reconstructed gourd provides the inspiration for the design. |
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Little Rock, Arkansas 72201
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