Jenn Avery GOURD ART
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Jenn's Gourd Art Blog

Gourd Rehaul

2/16/2017

4 Comments

 
Ever have an art piece that you just weren't totally happy with?

For my first post, I thought I would share a gourd that was finished-even up for sale on Etsy- then after a time I decided I didn't like the end result and so I took off the shelf and redid it.  Sometimes that is just what an artist needs to do, 

​This is my Elijah and the Ravens gourd completed early 2016.  There was something bothering me about this piece and although it was "finished" I decided to rework it.
I thought it needed to lose that dark purple color.  So, I took my sander to it...I mean... what's the worst that could happen?
Picture
The sanding process to remove the color took much longer than I expected, and it was not as clean as I had hoped.  At that point (sorry I don't have a picture) it looked pretty bad.  You can see a little glimpse on the bottom of the gourd in the picture below.  That was when I thought to work some texture into the piece and give it some carving.  Since my burning was all complete I was a little nervous to do this but since I went that far I figured it best to go all the way!
Picture
I decided to add Celtic interlace into the top and bottom borders.  You can see the color of the sanded area, and the outlines of the knot work.  Then I used a round diamond bit to carve some texture in the background.
Picture
Here it is with the carving complete, with no color added.  This was still too contrasty so I used several coats of amber colored glaze to tone it down.
Picture
Here it is completed- finally!  And I am pretty happy with it.  Sometimes we need to revisit our art, even if it means big changes.  The risk of completely messing it up is worth it, and better than having something that you are not proud to call your own.  

Do you have any pieces of art that you decided to drastically change?  I'd love to see it!  You are invited to comment with a link to your before and after pictures!
​~Jenn
4 Comments
Ellen Brown
10/21/2017 07:54:50 pm

thank you for the tutorial. Your work is truly beautiful.
I have been burning and carving gourds for many years. Mostly self taught. I've seen some gourds with their carved out areas sanded smooth and wondering if you know if there is a burr that does that or just careful sanding with paper. Also, when you sanded the paint off did you end up sanding the outer shell layer off to get it a lighter color?
Thanks for any input.

Reply
Jenn
10/22/2017 05:59:50 pm

@ Ellen,
Thank you! I did sand down past the outer shell. I used a sanding drum on my rotary carver. Then, yes, sandpaper by hand. I do not know of any other way!

Most of my carving is done with the round diamond burs. I am still learning about the different shapes and types of burs,but I keep going back to the diamond burs.
Jenn

Reply
Tamil Chat Utah link
2/26/2021 05:21:58 am

Good shaare

Reply
Eli link
4/20/2021 07:20:44 pm

Great read, thank you.

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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