Choosing the Road Less Traveled: Fine Art Painting on Gourds
Tara A. Spears
Jaltemba Features Editor
Outside of the creative box is a good way to describe the unique hand painted gourd art by local artist Lorraine Rourke Hodges. Gourd art is a combination of delicate fine art painting using a 3D surface; combining the best of both styles into an organic art piece. Each deceptively simple piece is a complex melding of texture, color, dimension, and design to form a truly original, collectable work of art. 
While artist Lorraine didn’t pursue art full-time until retiring, she has explored watercolor, acrylic, mixed media, and paverpol sculpture at various points. “The gourding process is what ignites my creative juices,” said Lorraine. “I decided that I find more peace and satisfaction from exploring this medium. I enjoy the challenge and self-discovery of each new gourd.”
In case you’re scratching your head in confusion, trying to comprehend how a plant and art could combine to become art, let’s break it down. According to gourd artist Cyndee Newick, gourds are believed to be the earliest plant domesticated by man. Genetic testing has shown that gourds originated in Asia, but were eventually grown throughout Africa, Polynesia and the Americas. It is speculated that they made their way to America carried across the Bering Strait and by floating on ocean currents.
A gourd is the hollow, dried shell of a vine fruit in the Cucurbitaceae plant family, similar to a cucumber or pumpkin. There are two main types of gourds, ornamental and hard shelled. Soft shelled, ornamental gourds are the type you see in the fall season and are generally used for temporary decorations. 
Hard shell gourds, once dried can last forever and are essentially a soft wood. There are dozens of varieties of hard shell gourds and their varying sizes and shapes have provided man with a multitude of functional, decorative and spiritual uses, such as containers and utensils, boat floats, masks, musical instruments, jewelry, dolls and more. This is the type that Lorraine used in her projects.
Until recently gourd art was a relatively unknown art form, used primarily for primitive folk art, crafts and birdhouses. However, a few dedicated artist in the US and Canada formed artist societies in the 1930s to try to elevate ‘gourding’ from being just a craft to becoming an artistic style. In addition, resurgence in gourd arts began around 1990, when gourd art guru, Ginger Summit, began to publish a series of Gourd Crafting books that encouraged others to explore this medium. Today most craft supply stores and many online sources carry the special inks, dyes, tools and saws required to work with gourds.
Lorraine explains the lengthy process involved with gourd art. “It begins with a trip to the field to pick your gourds or rather, I let the various shapes pick me! Different shapes and sizes inspire different designs.” Next, the gourds will be left intact in order to dry completely, causing the thick skin to become firm and wood-like. After nearly a year drying time, the gourd is cleaned and cut if the project requires it. Lorraine sketches her vision on to the prepared gourd then begins etching the outline of the drawing. (photo) Some designs require extensive detail work with the burning tool (note the leaves gourd that follows.) When the outlining is finished, Lorraine uses special inks and dyes to paint in color and detail. After the design is dry, a special finish coat is applied to seal the art, resist fading, and protect the gourd surface from moisture. Altogether, each work of art averages 25 hours creation time.
What Lorraine finds stimulating about gourding is that no two are alike, therefore every piece is one of a kind. “It gives me such satisfaction when someone is drawn to touch a finished piece, to become excited about something I made!” For themes and design ideas Lorraine looks to the outdoors and the natural world. “Using an organic shape as the backdrop for my painting is challenging; simple yet pure.” Whether she is concentrating on the natural color variation within the gourd itself or contrasting with vivid colors, Lorraine has a sophisticated eye. The etching and carving add texture; the cutout voids play against the light to create interesting shadows. Gourd art is one of those types of art that require study from several angles to really appreciate the complexity. Gorgeous!
When Lorraine is home in Kelowna, BC, Canada she teaches classes in introductury gourding. “I started out taking ‘beginning watercolor’, ‘beginning mixed media’, etc. I had a need to learn how to express myself creatively. From the basics I immersed myself in doing- in making art in many forms.”
Lorraine’s advice to other retirees who love art but hesitate to try it ‘at my age’: “Don’t be afraid to try any type of art! The beginning class is perfect because you learn what tools are needed and you get to see if this style fits you. Then let yourself explore!’ Looking at the marvelous results that Lorraine creates is certainly proof that heart and talent can go a long way.
Lorraine’s beautiful smile reflects her inner joy and her art reflects her appreciation of simple, beautiful things. To arrange a private viewing or to place an order for custom items, go to her webpage: gourdsbylorraine.com or email her directly: artbylorraine.ca
On her webpage you can peruse her other artistic styles and get a better picture of the scope of her work. The world is enhanced because Lorraine dared to take the road less traveled!
