| Creating Gourd Art |
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Creating Gourd Art The Russ Estes Way! Creator and Artist Russ Estes demonstrates the fine art of pyroengraving and dying. Each gourd is a one-of-a-kind creation and can take 100's of hours, and a steady hand, to create. Featured below are pictures of just some of the processes involved in the creation of a art piece. Russ states; "All of my designs are a compilation of early native American pueblo Indian, Mexican and pre-Colombian designs." |
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The birth of this organic art form starts in the field. Gourds can take up to a year or more to grow. "Gourd Farms", as they are called, are located around the world, are responsible for the majority of gourd production today. However, many "home growers" enjoy growing their own!. The gourd grower tends his "gourds" by "hand-processing" his crop. This is accomplished by turning and repositioning the gourds by hand. While time consuming, this process helps the gourds to achieve acceptable shapes and sizes. To achieve the rare "long neck" gourd, gourds are grown on hanging vines. This technique is harder than it sounds as the gourd may break from weight or other conditions during the growing process. Extremely rare lengths would be in the 30 inch plus range. |
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After approximately one year of on-the-vine growth the gourd is picked and left to dry for up to an additional 12 months. Once dried they are then ready for selection by the artist. Only the finest gourds are selected by artist Russ Estes and his staff. After the harvest comes the next step of washing, cleaning and preparing the gourd. |
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Two days for the cleaning process. soaking and using special tools to clean the inside. |
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After
the cleaning process, which can take up to two days, the artist begins to
create the design. Ancient artisans used hot coals and pieces of
burning wood to accomplish this task.
The steady hand of Russ Estes creates the treasures of his Southwestern collection. |
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The critical dying process is extremely tedious work states artist Russ Estes. "It's much more than staying in the lines." "Depending on the piece, this process can take several days to several weeks."
"While several mediums can be used on gourds I prefer to use leather dyes. The dye works because the texture of the gourd tends to absorb the dye very well".
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Did You know... Gourds have been used throughout history world wide. They have been used for serving utensils, bowls, cups, tools, etc. The Uniqueness of the gourds exist because it was used throughout the world without being exported from continent to continent. |
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