Dance Of The Manta Rays Vase
Have you ever seen manta rays swimming through the water? It seems like they are flying, almost dancing. It is the most captivating thing; I could watch them for hours. Rays "swim" all around this gourd, turning and flipping and generally having a lovely time of it. The colors added in the water is transparent acrylic and metallic pigments. The ocean "bubbles" are carved out and through the gourd. Base is attached.
Measures 5 1/2" wide by 16" tall.
This art is made from a real, natural gourd. Be sure to see the photo of a gourd growing in the garden before it is dried for artistic use. Once dried it will last as long as a piece of wood.
Care:
Please display away from direct sunlight. UV protectant sealer is applied to help prevent this, but it should be treated like any piece of valuable art. Not designed to hold water. (perfect for dried flowers!)
My process:
Each gourd is planned, researched, sketched, designed extensively before even beginning the piece.
To prepare, I clean and sand the gourd; the insides are coated with a protective layer of paint.
Then I freehand draw my original designs directly onto the gourd; then I use a woodburning pen to illustrate (pyrography) the image on the gourd.
I use mixed media to color the gourds.
For more information about the process of my art, visit this webpage.