I knew you'd ask eventually. A gourd head is someone who creates beautiful or useful objects using gourds as a medium. We have two gourd heads at the Blue Frog who have taken their gourd efforts to an artful level. The first is Jan Meng, of Oucha (prounced oo-chee), Oklahoma, and Sandy Maxa from Lennex, IA.
Jan makes stunning gourd light fixures for artful ambient light, as well as beautifully painted nature inspired gourd bird houses. My favorite in the Blue Frog now, depicts a juicy sliced canteloupe and on top of the rind is a tiny little green tree frog - you just can't miss. For an excellent photographic sampling of Jan's work visit the Jan Meng Photo Gallery by Crystal Rolfe.
Sandy Maxa's gourd vessels have been influenced by traditional art from around the world. Some harken back to Africa, while others look more Native American. Several in the Blue Frog now have intricate weaving around the mouth of the gourd of waxed linen cord. The patterns and the detail in the weavings are a perfect compliment to the organic shape of gourds.
I had the opportunity to visit Jan Meng's studio called "The Hungry Holler" this past summer and was soooo inspired when I left. Her green thumb goes beyond gourds and fills the gardens that surround her home. You have to be ready for the unconventional, though.
Jan's husband and fellow artist, Marc Meng, has built beautiful recycled art sculptures from the chain of bicycles that go high up into a tree and back down, to the iron work by the gate, and even a towering wind sculpture made of industrial fans. It's definitely worth the trip.
Marc Meng is the artisan who makes the beautiful hand carved wooden spoons now at the Blue Frog. Look for his signature HH on the handle. Always witty, Marc considers himself a Zen Spoonmaster. Visit the Hungry Holler website to see some of his artwork.
Stop by the Blue Frog and check out our Gourd Heads' art work at our upcoming One Year Anniversary Party, Saturday, December 23, and enjoy special pricing on select works of art, free gift wrap, fun people, and refreshments.
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