Raven is a gourd artist and has been working with gourds since 2000. Raven has always been creative and dreamed of being an artist – both the mythological romance of being an artist but most of all, there was a need and an urge to create.
Driven by intuition and the subconscious, Raven loves the creativity that gourds allow – any technique can be used on a gourd such as carving, cut out fretwork, painting, pyro engraving, coiling, or collage. Raven’s all time favourite tool is the rotary carver where vivid vibrant patterns and designs can be created. Inks and dyes are Raven’s favourite type of medium as these enhance the natural designs of the gourd.
Raven notes that “when my work is going well I am filled with a great sense of achievement and accomplishment. When people view my work I want them to find joy and delight. I want them to find the whimsy and the play. Gourds remind me that I do not always know or can predict the outcome as there are many uncertainties along the way. They encourage me to take risks and think outside the box. I never really know what the final work will look like until I am truly done. Here’s to the gourd – nature’s creation!”
Saanich Scattered Artists 