AE: Who are you and what is it that you do/make?
AE: How did you get started/What is the motivation behind your work?
JB: Eleven years ago, while visiting a lady friend, Miss Louis, who lives in TN, I saw a gourd hanging in one of her trees. We talked about it and she gave it to me. I took it home, cleaned it up and painted on it. I took it back to her as a gift, and that is how it all started. Gourds are a wonderful medium to paint on. After they dry out they have the consistency of wood.
Since then I have been interviewed several times by newspapers, a featured artist on TV, gave a presentation at UNCP, and continue to teach classes when I have time. As a full time Art Education major at UNCP, I still love to paint on gourds and look forward to summer break to complete new artistic expressions. I paint because I love too.
After retiring from a Department of Defense contracting position in 2000; I knew I wanted to find a hobby and volunteer work to keep me busy. As a Mom to an Army pilot, who frequently travels overseas, I found this outlet helped occupy my time and keep me focused in a positive manner.
I am not a major production artist. Most of my art has been given as presents and I have sold art internationally and nationally. After painting 408 pieces of art, I only have 40 left. I better get busy and paint some more soon. I still enjoy setting up at festivals and have several exhibits in Pembroke, NC. If you like, call me, and I can teach you this technique in my art studio located in my home. You will need two hours to complete the art. I will provide the supplies. The fee is negotiable. Bring a friend and the fee is reduced.
Since then I have been interviewed several times by newspapers, a featured artist on TV, gave a presentation at UNCP, and continue to teach classes when I have time. As a full time Art Education major at UNCP, I still love to paint on gourds and look forward to summer break to complete new artistic expressions. I paint because I love too.
After retiring from a Department of Defense contracting position in 2000; I knew I wanted to find a hobby and volunteer work to keep me busy. As a Mom to an Army pilot, who frequently travels overseas, I found this outlet helped occupy my time and keep me focused in a positive manner.
I am not a major production artist. Most of my art has been given as presents and I have sold art internationally and nationally. After painting 408 pieces of art, I only have 40 left. I better get busy and paint some more soon. I still enjoy setting up at festivals and have several exhibits in Pembroke, NC. If you like, call me, and I can teach you this technique in my art studio located in my home. You will need two hours to complete the art. I will provide the supplies. The fee is negotiable. Bring a friend and the fee is reduced.
AE: Where can we find your work?
JB: I have several exhibits in Pembroke, NC. I also have an online gallery.
AE: What is your website/contact information?
JB: My online gallery is http://blackwellgourddesigns.
Joan's work is absolutely amazing. I have one of her beautiful gourds - "Charmed Butterfly" - in my kitchen and she makes me smile every time I enter my kitchen. Please be sure to check out Joan's online gallery. You won't be disappointed. :-)
Peace & Love,
The gourds are beautiful. Nice she has a whole new career after one career.
ReplyDeleteI love how creative she is with the gourds.
ReplyDelete