For centuries, one of the earth's oldest cultivated plants has been carved, shaped, painted, and embellished to create works of art.
On Thursday (April 2) at 7:30 p.m. as part of the Thursday Artist Talk series at the Surrey Art Gallery, visitors will get to see and hear how Langley artist Suzanne Erickson incorporates gourds in her artistic practice.
“I’m in love with gourds," she says. "Not the ones you see in the supermarket. The ones I love are hard-shelled gourds. They come
in many shapes, sizes, and colours, and can be made into useful and beautiful works of art.”
Erickson’s work is based on both traditional and contemporary design, rethinking this ancient art form and reintroducing it to a modern audience. These treasured works of art represented high status and wealth, and were prized by collectors throughout history. Erickson will share the history of this amazing plant and discuss the techniques used to create her art. Her collection of gourd art will also be on display.
Erickson is a multi-faceted artist and a professional hand engraver, known for her hand-engraved calligraphy and designs on metal, crystal, and glass since 1998. Suzanne has studied calligraphy and hand engraving with master craftsmen in Utah and Texas, and passes her vast knowledge on to others as a teacher. Suzanne's visual language is unique, bold, and is inspired by the natural world. Her work can be viewed at www.suzanneerickson.ca. Her hand engraving can be seen on www.sengraving.com
There will be time for questions and conversation during and following the talk. The event concludes by 9 p.m. Refreshments are provided. This event is presented by the Surrey Art Gallery Association in partnership with the Surrey Art Gallery, and with support from the Arts Council of Surrey. Surrey Art Gallery Association (SAGA) is a non-profit society that offers its members the opportunity to participate in and respond to contemporary art, and be part of a community that actively supports the Surrey Art Gallery.
The gallery is located at 13750 88 Ave. Phone 604-501-5566 or check www.surrey.ca/artgallery for more information.