Graham Ottoson creates simple and humorous gourd work. As a gourd farmer, gourd instructor and artist, her realm of Gourdlandia engulfs you in contagious creativity.
The other day as I was writing about gourds and hearing from my depressed gourd friends talk about the virus and and no gourd meetings, I wondered what Graham was up to on her farm. I bet she was working on one of her many pieces of her humorous gourd work . The thought of one of her funny rabbits came to mind and I smiled!
I have never been to her gourd farm/gallery shop, in Eco Village, near Ithaca, New York, but I do follow her on Facebook.
Who is the Lady of Gourdlandia?
Inside a simple cabin-like building, Graham Ottoson, a midwife-turned-artist, creates art from gourds.
The self-proclaimed “Gourd Lady” began by making gourd lamps. Her passion only grew, leading her to open Gourdlandia. A gourd farm, a classroom workshop, and a store plus a fun place for a visit. She loves sharing her love of humorous gourd work and is passionate about growing and turning gourds into art.
Welcome to Gourdlandia, where the world’s most versatile vegetable is transformed into art.
“You can grow your peas and you can grow your carrots, and there’s your kale, and there’s something that you can turn into a basket in which to put your carrots and peas and kale. I mean, how incredibly generous is that? It just blows me away!” —Graham Ottoson, the Mistress of Gourdlandia!
Graham and her humorous gourd art brings everyone to the gourd party!
She is famous for her ability to get gourd artists and gourd enthusiasts to do all kinds of crazy things with gourds to attract others to the art form. This is a lady who plans gourd parades, helps a lot of people make crazy gourd hats, and then talks them into wearing them down Main Street. She makes it all seem easy and fun. And Gourdlandia has everything you need to get started.
“It’s a fine art, to enhance something that is already perfectly “gourdgeous.”
From lamps to vases, dollhouses, nightlights, and more, visitors to Gourdlandia are delighted at what can emerge from a gourd.
Her big sellers are her gourd lamps, which includes the top and the base made from gourds and over the years they seem to have gotten bigger.
Animals and odd critters are a big part of her humorous gourd work.
They are simple yet bursting with personality and humor and most of all lots of creativity. Every time I see this mask, I remind myself not to take this art form too seriously.
Her work reminds me, a good design that speaks does not need paint, dye, or embellishment to grab attention. The shapes of the gourds and how she sees them in her mind’s eye is inspiring.
Every piece, even practical ones like this tool holder are, simple, clever and make you smile.
Now watch The Gourd Lady video .
She will talk about growing gourds, plus cutting and cleaning gourds.
Have you met her or been to Gourdlandia?
Share your thoughts here in the comment box or share them with all the gourd artists on our Facebook Group Page.
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