Debra uses the old, broken or discarded chips of gourd and designs her work from the shapes they suggest.
Her participation in the Arizona Artists' Guild's ZOOPAINT began her interest in wildlife. This interest has produced a strong body of work featuring the animals of the Phoenix Zoo and their endangered species programs.
These "centerpieces" have been created as wearable art for use in the work of other craftspeople. Lightweight, yet strong surfaced, the gourd has been a dependable household all-purpose plant for literally millennia! From the bodily decoration of the men of Borneo to the Massai pitchers for the milk and blood of their cattle to the Native American sacred Gourd Dance in honor of all warriors, it has a voice of its own.
Years ago she worked in an ivory scrimshaw manufacturing company. The scale of the miniatures appealed to her. When ivory was banned, she rejoiced, but was out of a job. Seeking an appropriate substitute she recently found the unique warmth of the gourd seemed as vital and giving as the ivory was. This very "GREEN" solution allows her to be active in her personal conservation philosophy.
At the first publication we have no ready-to-wear pieces. In the very short time she has made them available (6/11/007), we have shipped as far as Illinois and Colorado. In weeks to come, we hope to showcase the pieces other artists have made using her work.
All of the work is for sale only through email and personal contact. Large orders can be made with general style, size and subject matter, then confirmed with digital photos before shipping. Commissions and special designs are encouraged.
Inquiries by representatives and dealers are welcomed.
These are HAND MADE. This means they are limited in availability and will NEVER be made subcontracted by piecemeal or assembly line. If things take off it may back up, but all orders will be filled in the order they are received.
