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Thursday, May 1, 2014

GOURD LAMP


A VARIATION ON A THEME

Many years ago, we did stained glass windows.  With the recent interest in gourd lamps, Gary has decided to combine several media to create a lamp of his own.  The elements used in construction are Inlace, stained glass, carving and a lamp base.  The shape is similar to several recent pieces he has done, setting the canteen gourd on its side on a carved saddle.                                                                                    

Stained glass, formed on the gourd surface to curve


The gourd section was removed so glass stands alone.  

      





The side of the gourd was carved extensively with cutouts and inlace
Close-up of the carved two-part base with opening for the lamp parts



Finished Gourd Lamp

Finished lamp, red side
Side view showing carving










Finished lamp, white side







                                                     



Red side, lighted

White side, lighted                   

Monday, April 28, 2014

APRIL 2014

Preparing for the Indiana Gourd Show

We've been travelling the East this winter (China, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia),  and haven't been doing a lot on gourds.  Gary has been working off and on and has created two new sculptures from gourds, as well as carving a couple of walking sticks.

Admiral Gourdley
Gary was inspired by the gourd sculptures done by Sherry Benedict and thought he'd try one of his own.  It doesn't have the lightness and whimsey of her work, but it's pretty impressive on it's own merit. 
The Admiral is quite large.  He stands 22 inches tall and almost as wide.  He is made from a gourd
Admiral Gourdley                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
base, but it's hard to tell from the finished product.

BASE STRUCTURE 
 
Here is the base, made with banana gourds and small Martin house gourds. The head and pantaloons are egg gourds.   The base is padded out with paper mache and then covered with Apoxie Sculpt.                      
The face, collar and pantaloons are shaped with Apoxie Sculpt
Paper Mache is used as filler      






The hat is added, as well as banana gourds for the arms

Here he is ready to be painted.
Back view showing the braided trim and ruffled coat