Gourds by Grace Swanson are on display and for sale in the lighted cubes of the beautiful Encinitas Libarary. Nineteen of the 38 gourds which have been on display since the end of February have been sold. Those have been replaced with new creations by Grace. This show will be at the Library only until April 14. Go to the library now to see what artwork can be done on a gourd — "a canvas in the round".
Grace says, "My interest in gourds began as a small child, born and
raised in Nigeria. I saw that the Nigerian people used gourds for everything
from storing food to spoons to holding cosmetics. When I saw a class on gourd
art offered by San Diego Botanic Garden I decided to give it a try. The feel
and smell of the burning gourd just took me ‘home’. I was hooked.
Some of my gourds may serve a function as vessels and bowls. However, most of my designs are meant to be appreciated for its own
sake. Gourds can easily slip into the area of craft — painted to look like
snowmen, santas, and little animals — or made into lamps and bird houses. This,
however, does not appeal to me. I prefer to see how elegant, simple and
sophisticated the lowly gourd can become.
Gourds have taken over my life. My brushes, paints and
canvas have been pushed to one side as I explore the wonderfully tactile, three
dimensional world of gourds. My gourds are sold through the Off Track Gallery
located at 937South Coast Highway 101, Suite C-103 (behind Starbucks),
downtown Encinitas, CA 92024. All current gourds available for purchase may be
viewed at GourdsByGrace.com. Email swanson121@cox.net for prices and more information."
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