I have always been an artist, even as a child I spend a lot of time drawing. I have worked in almost every artistic medium, my favorites before gourds have been pencil, oils and watercolor. I began working with gourds in 1999, trying a new craft on a whim. The fact that gourds are a three dimensional, natural canvas, that they are conducive to almost any art medium was fascinating to me. After a time of experimentation, I found that pyrography, or wood burning, on gourds was what I was destined to do. It took my love of drawing to a new level, and working with gourds allows me to combine many aspects of creation along with the conceptual drawing process, using paint, pigments, gold leaf, inlay, carving and basketry techniques. There never seems to be an end to all that can be done with gourds.

I have always felt a strong connection to the natural world, from the tiniest birds to largest whales, God's amazing creation and original art, I work in realism often combined with my interest with the Celtic and medieval styles, taking inspiration anywhere from walks in the woods to old folk tales. I am constantly trying to work all of these elements together in my own work; sometimes thoughtful, sometimes whimsical, always striving to communicate truth and beauty, as I illustrate my imagination in fire, on gourds.

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Oh Lord, how manifold are your works! 
In wisdom you made them all;
the earth Is full of your creatures. Psalm 104:24
Soli Deo Gloria!

Take a virtual tour of my studio!

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Print

Pyrography The Art and Craft of Woodburning Fox Chapel Publication (Magazine) 2018
Beautiful Butterfly Practice Gourd by Jenn Avery (How-To Article)
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Pyrography The Art and Craft of Woodburning Fox Chapel Publication (Magazine) 2016
St. Patrick's Day Ornament by Jenn Avery (How-To Article)

Pyrography The Art and Craft of Woodburning Fox Chapel Publication (Magazine) 2013
Great Gourds!- Pyrographer Jenn Avery Uses a Unique Canvas for Her Exquisite Designs

Lancaster Sunday News, August 15, 2010 (Newspaper)
Gourdgeous- Fruit of the Vine Inspires Gretna Bound Artist

Lancaster Farming News, November 11, 2006 (Newspaper)
Beauty of Fall's Bounty- Artist Brings Life to Gourds

Beyond the Basics- Gourd Art (Book) by David Macfarlane 
Sterling/Chapelle Publishing 2006

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Awards

Best of Show- PA Gourd Festival 2021
First Place Advanced Wearable - PA Gourd Festival 2021
First Place Advanced Pyrography - PA Gourd Festival 2021
First Place Pyrography- PA Gourd Gathering 2019
First Place Collection of Gourds- PA Gourd Gathering 2018
People's Choice First place- PA Gourd Gathering 2017
Judge's Choice- Mount Gretna Art Show 2006
First Place- Mixed Media Gourd Artist's Guild WWW Gourd Show 2005
First Place- Woodburning Gourd Artist's Guild WWW Gourd Show 2005
 Best of Patch- Gourd Artist's Guild WWW Gourd Show 2003