Glow, inspired by my walks to flowing lava in Hawaii in the spring of 2007, was my first official art project that did not involve sewing.
Tech details: Glow consists of a dried snake gourd, sliced open and fitted with a strand of 25 orange lights. I cut a hole in the back for the power cord. I sanded the outside and painted it with about fourteen coats of black and burnished silver, each mixed with transparent glaze. After applying each layer I rubbed it with a cloth until I achieved a look that reminded me of the texture of a particular type of dried lava. I then glued orange organza to the two sides of the opening, so that it appears to flow from within the gourd, as lava spills from the earth. This was the hardest part, as I kept getting glue on the fabric when I pressed it onto the gourd; however, it does not show when it is lit as it should be, after dark. Glow did not show all that well at Calabash, as it was set low on a white tablecloth and you could not see the light emanating from it. It needs to be viewed in the dark. Some of the attendees called it “feminine” and “vaginal.”
Calabash, a Celebraton of Gourds, Art and the Garden, is one of the best festivals anywhere. A benefit for Food For Thought, the Sonoma County AIDS Food Bank, Calabash features more than 100 gourds that have been transformed into art. The artists donate the pieces, which are sold in a silent auction that is the heart of the celebration. Glow sold for $200.
The 2008 festival will be on Sunday, October 5, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Food For Thought, 6550 Railroad Avenue, Forestville, California.
