Jenn Avery GOURD ART
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Jenn's Gourd Art Blog

Golden Eagle Mask

5/1/2020

9 Comments

 
I have been "gourding" for 20 years- I cannot even believe it has been that long but it has! 
​
Over the years I have made some gourd "oncers" which is my word for I just want to make it once, just so that I have the experience. Like the gourd lamp, the flute, the kalimba and the kaleidoscope. 

A mask was something that I had not yet tried.  Lots of people have made masks, they even have a history of being used by Native Americans, and they are a popular art form today.  

That all being said,  I started working on this in February and my original intention was to use real feathers to decorate it, much like other mask artists use.  However as I started burning in the small feathers on the surface, I decided instead to use actual gourd pieces to turn into more feathers.  
Picture
the original gourd ready to cut out the mask
Picture
Some of the feather cut outs that were added.
Since I wanted to have a Celtic flair to it, I added knot work to the top feathers and created more feathers inside each knot.  Gold leaf was applied to the Celtic knots, and the feathers, beak and eye rings were painted with transparent gold acrylic.
Picture
Top down view, here you can see the gold leaf on the knot work.
So, I honestly thought this would be something to hang on a wall, but as I worked on it and actually tried it on and it really fit!  This is definitely a "oncer" art piece but I am happy I made it.  It took a lot longer to complete than I first anticipated but with the stay at home orders, and most of my shows being canceled, it was good to have a fun and different project like this to work on.
Picture
Side view and the configuration of the added gourd feather pieces.
Picture
Here's me in my Golden Eagle Gourd Mask! What do you think?
9 Comments
Helen Olena
5/1/2020 03:57:58 pm

Wow! This is fantastic! Hope I get to see it in person post covid.

Reply
Eloise Stevens
5/19/2020 07:36:08 pm

Awesome! Looks great on! The beak is so cool! Does it have a strap or anything or does it fit and stay in place? Hope to see it in person as well post Covid!

Reply
Jenn link
5/20/2020 09:53:33 am

Hi Eloise! Thank you! Nope, no strap, it just kind of squeezes on! I wouldn't dance around in it though! Initially I meant for it to hang on a wall, but for fun I put it on and it fit. Wasn't actually planned that way but I just went with it!

Reply
Allison Lasky
5/19/2020 08:52:04 pm

This is gorgeous Jenn! I encourage you to make more and sell them.

Reply
Jenn link
5/20/2020 09:54:38 am

Thanks Allison! If I get more ideas for it I may...but this was really just for fun.

Reply
Claudia Hill
5/20/2020 08:46:13 pm

That turned out wonderfully! Makes me think of a medieval masquerade. It's really bizarre that it fits!

Reply
Sue Bonifacio link
5/24/2020 09:09:10 pm

I love your work l have been doing gourds about the same time as you l also teach here in Canada and really enjoy. We are a group of artists that also work with natures best supplies check out our web site.
Sue

Reply
Jenn Avery
5/25/2020 11:33:57 am

Thanks Sue! Your gourd group looks like a great sort of people- all gourd people are a great sort right??! Glad you are able to keep at it and hone your skills. Beautiful work!!

Reply
Pam Johnson
7/8/2020 06:04:33 pm

Beautiful!! It’s amazing that it fit you as well. I love the gourd cut-out pieces for feathers, too!

Reply



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    About me...

    Art has always been a part of my life, and I have worked in many different mediums. 

    My love of animals and nature, and love for God influences my work.   

    I hope you will be encouraged here.

    .........aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands.......................... 1 Thessalonians 4:11
    ​

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