Always searching for an artistic niche that would fit, I became interested in using gourds as an art medium. Throughout my informal and formal training, I have always been intrigued by natural colors and organic forms. The discovery of the vast array of shapes, colors, patterns, textures and sounds of gourds provides a perfect medium for me to express my artistic talents. I find each gourd has its own unique personality. No two gourds are alike, thus each gourd is a one-of-a-kind creation on a natural “canvas.”

A fun and satisfying part of working with gourds is the "hunt" for just the perfect specimen. My hunts have taken me to the "World's Largest Gourd Show" in Mt. Gilead, Ohio and various parts of Tennessee, California, Alabama and Georgia. The outer skin of hard-shelled gourds, being very much wood-like, makes them perfect canvases for stain, dye and paint. I use a wide variety of tools and color materials in designing my gourds and I’ve had much fun in experimenting with all types of techniques such as paint, stain, carving, inlaid work, weaving and burning.

My real love for gourds is in the design process. Even though I am influenced by native cultures' designs and motifs, as these are probably the most typical examples of gourd art, I've enjoyed the challenge of coming up with my own unique symbols and designs. I am especially inspired by nature and thus my favorite gourds are ones designed around birds, leaves, fish and animals. I feel very lucky to be able to work with a medium that I really enjoy. I find that almost every time I am working on one gourd my gates of creativity open and I am given a new idea and each gourd leads to another, and the whole process becomes an adventure in anticipation and discovery.