Who or What is a Gourdess?
Here’s how a Gourdess came to be.
It all started with a show in Michigan-dy.
It only took one peek and a look.
This Domestic Goddess was hooked!
She was face to face with a gourd.
She exclaimed with surprise, “Oh Lord!”
The gourd called and beckoned her that day.
She found a new medium in which to play.
She became a Gourdess in full glory.
And that’s the end of my silly story!
Seriously though…
In 2002 I quit my job and became a stay at home mom. After the adjustment to being home full time, I started asking a big question.
What exactly am I supposed to be doing?
I was (and still am) grateful to be at home with the kids. However, I was craving something more. I started looking back to my childhood for those things that I loved to do. Those things that made time stand still.
Fast forward to the summer of 2005, I was selling dream pillows at a show in Michigan. A friend of mine brought something called “Gourd Woman” to sell. She explained it was time to find her a new home. I couldn’t keep away. She drew me in with her simple primal persona. The crazy thought of “Gourdesses, I can make Gourdesses!” kept popping in my head. She seemed to whisper of new paths and that something magnificent was underway. Gourd Woman had found her new home and I had discovered one of those things I’m supposed to be doing.
I dived right into the joy of working with gourds. Each gourd is an individual. I've found it's best to hold one and let it tell me what it wants to become. When I’m inspired with a design, I ask for a volunteer. I swear they wave their little stems and yell, "Pick me! Pick me!"
The creative opportunities with gourds are unlimited. There is always something new to try such as carving, painting, pyroengraving, and lacing to name a few.
My gourd creations are a treasure hunt to find the mystery and beauty of the Gourd hidden beneath the layers.
It's similar to the choices we make as life unfolds before us. I choose to transform those things that may, on the surface, appear awful and unlovely into something uplifting and beautiful. Creating with Gourds is like the versatile nature of people, always changing, always unfolding, and always discovering something new.
And speaking of discovering something new, through out this journey, I uncovered a joy for writing children's stories, blogging and dabbling with polymer clay!
I'm an eclectic creative beast and allowing myself to follow my intuition, I've embarked upon a journey that keeps me fulfilled, joyful and happy. I encourage everyone to follow your heart and your dream. There's a lot of happiness to be discovered in the journey.
Have a Wonder-Filled day!
Tracy Swartz
The Domestic Gourdess
