Gourds

Gourds present a rich medium for artistic expression. Similar in texture to wood, dried gourds can be drilled, burned, carved, cut, constructed or deconstructed, painted, stained or waxed into a number of configurations. First used and decorated in ancient Africa as vessels for food and water, gourds come in a variety of shapes. Inspired by their versatility, Przybysz uses an assortment of materials, from dyes and paint to pine needles, Willow branches, sand and beads, to craft a gourd from idea into work of art.

Sometimes I need to find the “right” gourd to bring a sketch to fruition; other times, a gourd’s shape will determine its outcome, or manifest a new idea for a sculpture.