Jordan Straker: Master Gourd Carver introduces you to one of the best carvers. I want you to meet
a Canadian artist with a nostalgic style and exceptional carving techniques. I am hoping Jordan’s work can inspire you to try something different.
As a young art student, I was always discouraged by any other artists in the room who were better than me. My wise grandmother advised me this would always be the case. Then she asked, What do they know you don’t? Maybe you should find out! Look at them as your mentor or teacher. As a carver sitting in a room of gourd artists, I would introduce myself to Jordan Straker. I would find that he is quite a character and very humble. He would love to tell me about how his works!
I think carving and painting on gourds might interest me more than just flat canvas painting, but I haven’t decided yet.”
Jordan Straker: Master Gourd Carver
Carving is his Passion
For 20 years, working in the wood medium, this Calgary carver has used his unique leather-look wooden delights. And he hasn’t gone unnoticed! His 285 top carving awards, including ~ 5-time winner of the Richmond Carving Show and Sale ~ Best in the Northwest ~ Fraser Valley Championship ~ 13-time winner at the Calgary Stampede Western Art Auction, including Best New Artist, 4 Best in Show, 4 Collector’s Choice and 2 Artist Choice awards. ~ Chet Umperovich Memorial award for the Most Versatile Carver ~ Canadian Home Workshop Best in Show ~ 2008 BC Cowboy Heritage Society Art of the West Best in Show
In addition to his all-wood carvings, Jordan has recently added gourd carving to his passions.
Carving began with a Christmas gift.
“It was about 30 years ago,” Straker recalled. “I had a hand injury, and I got a Dremel for Christmas, for which I had no use. But somehow, I learned how to use that Dremel for wood carving.”
Today, he carves both wood and gourds.
Most of us discover gourd art with a gift of a gourd or tool. For Jordan, it was a Dremel. Before we look at his work, watch this short video to learn his passion for the gourd.
Jordan Straker: Master Gourd Carver
The “Gourd Father’s” Style
His exceptional carving techniques elevate his style. That also includes using special tools. Over the years, as the gourds get bigger, better tools are needed. He uses his Dremel to cut out the details once his design is roughly drawn on the gourd. By the way, his favorite cutting bur is this very coarse green flame. About a year ago, Bonnie Gibson, who sold him his burs, sent him a BP50 micromotor carver. Hopefully, he will also use this tool in the details. Check out her burs if you are interested.
He demonstrates that in this video, where he begins to carve out a buckle on a gun holster using one of the rough carbide bits to rough out the buckle area.
Jordan Straker: Master Gourd Carver
Pricing his Work
“Money and I don’t have a good association. When someone asks what I want for a piece, it’s tough for me to put a dollar amount on the blood, sweat, and tears,” Straker said. “When you give a gift, the only value is from the heart.”
“I’ve been very blessed,” Straker said. “I have a handful of collectors, and they probably own between 10 and 30 of my pieces each.”
One of these collectors is country singing legend Dolly Parton, who received one of Straker’s generous gifts — a coat of many colors.
The singer was so impressed with Straker’s work that she partnered with him to make a Christmas ornament version of the coat, with proceeds going to Dolly’s Imagination Library program. Then he gave her a gourd she admired.
At one time, Jordan was offering classes. Lunatic Carver’s Corner was available on Vimeo. But it is no longer linked. If you have more information on what happened to them, please tell us in the comment box.
Jordan Straker: Master Gourd Carver
The Work
Here are some examples of his work to inspire you. As you look at his gourds, try to name the different carving techniques he uses. If one is your favorite, copy it to your desktop and enlarge it so you can see the details of his cutting. I would first ask what tools he used to create the lace and the little flower patterns which are my favorites.
You can see all of his work on his website.
“It’s my passion, hobby, career, and it always lends itself to a beautiful gift.”
I hope ths information has inspired you to continue to improve your carving skills. Remember what we saw was 30 years of practising! Do you have some tools or tips to share with our readers?
Please, share your thoughts here in the comment box or share them with all the gourd artists on our Facebook Group Page.
Return to the Blog page for other articles.
By the way, Pinterest users can help me spread the word about my posts and jewelry by re-pinning your favorites from my Pinterest page.
I’ve admired Jordan’s gourd work since I first saw it. I would love to know how he seals the carving before adding color, and what type of color he uses.
Thanks, Betty, for a wonderful set of resources on this site!