Monday, February 20, 2023

2023: Beginning with a Bang!

 

Each year, I get more and more excited with my amazing artistic journey. 2022 presented a larger growth in The Burned Gourd than I had seen in any single year so far, and I am always grateful. The highlight of the year was the chances to teach Pyrography on Gourd Learnshops in the beautiful city of Berea, KY. I can not say enough about the opportunities that the Berea Tourism folks have presented, and how much they mean to me. 

2023 is shaping up to continue that trend, and I sure hope it does. I finally was able to work on a collaboration piece with one of my favorite artists, Bspoken Designs. Their polymer clay creations are so very beautiful (as seen above; the center pendant was created by them). The gourd is one of my larger pieces (as compared to the ornaments and stoppers), which includes pyrography, carving, cutting, coloring (acrylic), inlay, and a wood-turned maple base.

Next up: getting ready for the 40th anniversary Kentucky Crafted Market by the Kentucky Arts Coucil. This will be my 5th time setting up with this great show, among the best visual art and craft in Kentucky. The show will be March 11th through the 13th, with the 12th and 13th being the two days open to the public. Location will be at the Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, KY. If you've never been to this show, it is very much worth the trip. If you have been to this show, you already know how great it is. To learn more, go to  http://artscouncil.ky.gov/KAC/Showcasing/2023-market.htm

Let's have fun this year! Let's see what we can create!