Tall Hard Shell Gourd Vessel #1

by Jeff McCombie

Each gourd is handcrafted, organic art. Jeff carefully hand selects the gourds that are used in his artwork. Each gourd is examined for the potential to stand out as a unique piece of art. The gourds he uses are grown in Lancaster, Arizona, and California. These locations tend to have long, hot growing seasons that assure the end product will be strong enough to last for generations to come. After careful selection, each gourd is scrubbed and cleaned on the outside to remove the dirt and debris it has collected during the nearly yearlong drying process. Each gourd is sanded as many as 8 times to obtain a perfect palate for his work. A variety of carving and burning techniques are incorporated to create each individual piece. Jeff uses his own dyeing processes (often similar to pottery glazing) which create the beautiful layers of colors. Many pieces incorporate metal leafing or other metal work techniques. Each piece goes through a process to create a rich durable finish. This involves sealing the piece and applying several coats of professional paste wax. Final pieces reflect the qualities of wood, leather or pottery and often a final touch of exquisite metal work. To care for your piece: Treat this as you would any fine art. Keep out of extended direct sun. Avoid extreme heat temperatures (high or low). Wipe with a soft cloth on occasion to help maintain the satin finish. With this simple care, your fine art will be prized by generations to come.