Fine Gourd Art by Heather Kinkade
I never really thought of myself as an artist while growing up in Wyoming and eventually moving to Arizona for college. However, it seems the seed was always germinating and finally emerged as my life as an artist bloomed in 2009. It was the beginning of a new chapter in my life and I had an unquenchable desire to express myself in a new environment. It was like finding a new religion, I found art. My talent flourished and my passion as an artist was quickly reinforced with multiple awards as a master gourd artist. Every day my passion continues to be nurtured as I perfect my craftsmanship.
I have close to 30 years in environmental and landscape architectural education that has provided a strong foundation focused on natural colors and forms that create the basis for all of my designs. I migrate to deep rich colors and textures that reflect nature’s palette. My signature has become my varied faux basket patterns and my faux leather tooling that is unlike any that has been created on a gourd. I carve, burn, and finish each gourd with color pencil or acrylic paint and sometimes add a small embellishment. I challenge the traditional to think beyond the box and incorporate my love of nature into every gourd and the result is a balanced and eye pleasing creation from once living material.
I have a new view of the world and the more I learn about my chosen medium—gourds—the more I become entranced in their versatility for a unique piece of art.
2013 Awards:
Wuertz Gourd Festival in February 2013
Autumn Vest – Grand Masters
Sonoran Arts League February 2013
Artist of the Month - Autumn Vest
2012 Awards:
Mustang Harvest – First Place Masters Animals and Best of Division - Masters
Gourd Purse – First Place
Mango Within (Bowl with Lid) – Third Place
Sonoran Arts League April 2012
Artist of the Month - Blue Glory #2
Northwest Gourd Festival in Kittitas Valley, Ellensburg, WA in July 2012
Morning’s Meadow – First Place Masters My Way, Best of Division - Master, Judge’s Choice and People’s Choice
Red Britches – First Place Masters Bowls
2011 Awards:
Northwest Gourd Festival in Moses Lake, WA July 2011
Come Full Circle – First Place Masters “Bowls” Category, Presidents Choice, and Second Most Votes in People’s Choice
Prill’s Gourd – Third Place Masters “My Way” Category, People’s Choice, and Judges Choice
Cody Country Artist League Spring Show in Cody, WY June 2011
Come Full Circle – First Place in Professional Other/3D
Prill’s Gourd – Honorable Mention in Professional Other/3D (Third Place)
Arizona Art Alliance Spring Show in March 2011
Magnolia – First Place in 3D
Wuertz Gourd Festival in February 2011
White Rope – First Place, People’s Choice, and Judge’s Choice
Magnolia – Judge’s Choice
Gourd Purse – Second Place
2010 Awards:
Sundust Gallery
Sun Flower – Distinguish Artist Award
Cody Country Artist League Spring Show
Heishi Circles – Second Place 3D
Wuerts Gourd Festival
Morning Glories – First Place
Maple Leaf – Third Place
2009 Awards:
Wuerts Gourd Festival
Mask – Third Place
Representation:
The West Lives on Gallery, Contemporary Art Collections in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
http://www.westliveson.com/contemporaryartists.html
Big Horn Galleries in Cody, Wyoming and Tubac, Arizona
http://www.bighorngalleries.com/HeatherKinkade.htm
Previous Showings/Lessons Provided:
Show Me Gourd Festival in Springfield, MO
May 2012
Northwest Gourd Festival in Ellensburg, WA
Sedona Arts Center Gallery Day of the Cowboy Demo
July 28, 2012
Teaching Engagements: Spirit of the Desert December 2011; Southwest Gourd Association January 2012; Spirit of the Desert February 2012; Show-me-gourd Association (Missouri) April 2012; Washington State Gourd Association July 2012.
Northwest Gourd Festival in Moses Lake, WA
Cody Country Artist League Spring Show in Cody, WY
June through July 2011
Herberger Theater in Phoenix, AZ
Living in Arizona
July through August 2011
Fram’n Works in Phoenix, AZ
Two month show with one other 2D artist
October through November 2010
K3 Guest Ranch in Cody, WY
On Going 2009 -2012 (During summer, gourd lessons are offered)
Wild West Extravaganza in Cody, WY
July 2, 3, and 4, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
Memberships:
American Gourd Society
http://americangourdsociety.org/
Arizona Gourd Society
http://www.arizonagourdsociety.com/
Vice President of the Arizona Gourd Society
Southwest Gourd Association
http://swgourdpatch.com/
Past Vice President of Southwest Gourd Society
Cody County Art League
http://www.codycountryartleague.com/
Arizona Art Alliance, Juried Member
http://www.azartalliance.com/gallery.html
Sonoran Arts League, Juried Member
http://www.sonoranartsleague.org/index.php
Contact Artist:
Heather Kinkade
Phoenix, Arizona
602-550-9316
hk@kinkadegourds.com
Call or email with any questions about classes or if you would like to commission a gourd.
Please visit our other website that deals with rainwater catchment and reuse. The webpage can be found at: www.forgottenrain.com Thank you.
