2014 was another awesome year of learning, growth, and achievement. My main goal was becoming a Kentucky Crafted artist, which I’m honored to have achieved.
With the new year comes a time of new projects and some experimenting. So far I’ve started about 4 projects, and hopefully I’ll finish them eventually. Be on the lookout for a checkerboard, a wizard, and a cool lamp.
"Merlin" in collaboration with Nick Mantlo-Coots
2015
Introducing Floral from Fire, my first hangable gourd art piece. This flowery creation was born from a need to create a piece that could hang, rather than sit like most of my other items, for Artworks “Dually Exposed show” at the Presbyterian Church in Bowling Green, KY. I was partnered with a great photographer, Howard Margolis. Our showcase featured Mr. Margolis’ floral photo, and my pyrography gourd interpretation.
I hope you enjoy 🙂
This is “Colossus”. Created November 2014. Named for the size of the piece and the columns that are integrated into the design, which are reminiscent of Greek or roman architecture. This gourd bowl is topped with a natural leaf inspired lid, because nature is above all my inspiration. With a little deeper meaning to the name as well, this piece is a “thank you” to my wife, who has been a colossal inspiration to my artistic ability, and the one that introduced pyrography into my life.
Fall Entangled. This gourd features a maple leaf inspired lid, like leaves falling in autumn. The bottom features supporting weave and column designs. Elements of symmetry, pyrography, and cut-out techniques can be viewed all around this piece.
Here’s a look at the next two 2014 Halloween gourd lamps: Jolly Qualls & Gourd-o-Lantern 1.
Jolly Qualls gourd lamp
Jolly Qualls gourd lamp (night)
Gourd-o-Lantern 1 gourd lamp
Gourd-o-Lantern 1 (night)
Gourd-o-Lantern 1 (night, back)
Happy Halloween!
Help me wish a very Happy 90th Birthday to my awesome Grandmother! She’s a great strong woman. As a special birthday present, she’s getting my most recent gourd piece.
This one is called August 90th. As we enter the great autumn months, leaves will begin falling all around, mixing with the patterns of the world, just like in this piece.
Happy Birthday Grandmother!
Starry Lamp #1 – Night shot. My 2nd gourd lamp, created with pyrography (wood burning), and various holes incorporated to allow the inner light to shine through.
Starry Lamp #1 – Daylight shot. My 2nd gourd lamp, created with pyrography (wood burning), and various holes incorporated to allow the inner light to shine through.
Live Laugh Love themed gourd basket-style bowl. Completed March 2014.
This year marks another year of growth as an artist. I’ve began teaching pyrography (woodburning) classes at a local gallery here in Bowling Green, KY, Gallery 916. The classes are going to be held on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month. The classes are labeled under Learn & Burn: Wood Burning, and are meant to share the art of wood burning, while burning various projects. The next class will be creating this set of wooden candlesticks. So if you’re in the Bowling Green, KY area, and want to learn all about this awesome art form, then check out the Learn & Burn classes! http://www.facebook.com/learnandburnart
SnP Crafts 