I have been working with gourds for the past 7 years. I had breast cancer in 2002 and through the process of chemotherapy I needed a relaxing activity. I discovered the beauty of gourds at this time and started to paint and decorate them. In time I learned that gourd art is very popular across the country and it soon became a passion. I searched out classes and materials and have traveled to California and Arizona to learn about gourd art forms.
I have a very supportive and helpful husband who is engaged in woodworking. He makes wooden pieces and is a great resource in terms of how to approach some of the techniques that I want to use. He also tends the gourd garden so that I have a wonderful homegrown supply of gourds. However, our short growing season does limit the gourds that we can grow and so I still have to turn to the California growers for the bigger gourds and some specific varieties.
We live in a small rural town in northern Utah called Newton.  We love the quiet country life. We raised two lovely girls who have both married. There are four wonderful grandchildren to keep us busy!
I joined my husband in retirement 2 years ago and have since been able to devote much more time to the gourds. My studio is in my home. This is where I relax and enjoy life by expressing it in my gourds.