Nature becomes art in hands of local crafters
Published on Wed, Nov 18, 2009 by Beckye RandallRead More Communities
From sweeping driftwood sculptures to whimsical wood carvings, the artisans who gather at Ken Baxter Senior Community Center for classes and camaraderie put together a stunning display of artwork for the third annual "Artistry in Nature" show, held November 7 at the Marysville center.
Gourds of every shape and size were transformed into lidded containers, decorative vases, and even jewelry and dolls. Instructor Kate Franchimon explained the intricate process.
"Gourds have to have 160 to 180 days of hot, dry heat to grow properly," she said, "so most of our gourds come from Eastern Washington or other warm areas. Then we use a gourd saw to open them, and a wooden mallet to clean the insides."
Artists create their own unique designs using special woodburning tools, ink dyes, Dremels and even dental tools. Franchimon has been creating gourd art for more than five years.
"This obviously goes way beyond containers," said Franchimon, referring to the elaborate creations on display. The lightweight objects are surprisingly strong and durable.
Classes for gourd-making are held Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon at the community center, and new crafters are invited to join at any time. Costs are typically around $20 per month for class fees and materials.
Driftwood sculptors were also on hand to talk about their somewhat abstract creations. Fred Amsbury worked on a piece of driftwood while visitors watched the transformation take shape. The local artisans follow the LuRon method, which doesn't allow carving into the wood but rather uses more delicate techniques to reveal the natural shape and beauty of a piece.
The local group, which meets Thursdays from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Ken Baxter Center, is affiliated with Northwest Driftwood Artists. Classes are open to all skill levels and newcomers are welcome. A $5 weekly fee pays for use of the space, and a beginner's tool kit is only $10 to $12.
The Quilceda Carvers also meet at the center every Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. Using hand knives and a few power tools, the carvers create a variety of decorative and whimsical items.
From Native American oars and carvings of sea creatures, to realistic-looking wild birds and fairytale cottages, the wood carvers' displays exemplified attention to detail, fine quality and inspirational creativity.
Gourds of every shape and size were transformed into lidded containers, decorative vases, and even jewelry and dolls. Instructor Kate Franchimon explained the intricate process.
"Gourds have to have 160 to 180 days of hot, dry heat to grow properly," she said, "so most of our gourds come from Eastern Washington or other warm areas. Then we use a gourd saw to open them, and a wooden mallet to clean the insides."
Artists create their own unique designs using special woodburning tools, ink dyes, Dremels and even dental tools. Franchimon has been creating gourd art for more than five years.
"This obviously goes way beyond containers," said Franchimon, referring to the elaborate creations on display. The lightweight objects are surprisingly strong and durable.
Classes for gourd-making are held Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon at the community center, and new crafters are invited to join at any time. Costs are typically around $20 per month for class fees and materials.
Driftwood sculptors were also on hand to talk about their somewhat abstract creations. Fred Amsbury worked on a piece of driftwood while visitors watched the transformation take shape. The local artisans follow the LuRon method, which doesn't allow carving into the wood but rather uses more delicate techniques to reveal the natural shape and beauty of a piece.
The local group, which meets Thursdays from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Ken Baxter Center, is affiliated with Northwest Driftwood Artists. Classes are open to all skill levels and newcomers are welcome. A $5 weekly fee pays for use of the space, and a beginner's tool kit is only $10 to $12.
The Quilceda Carvers also meet at the center every Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. Using hand knives and a few power tools, the carvers create a variety of decorative and whimsical items.
From Native American oars and carvings of sea creatures, to realistic-looking wild birds and fairytale cottages, the wood carvers' displays exemplified attention to detail, fine quality and inspirational creativity.
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