Featured Artist Summer 2022

Janice Horner of the Folsom Gourd Artists.

Most of us came to be in the gourd world through the back door. Meaning we were not looking for gourds when we found them; in most cases, we searched for something else, which led us to a gourd. I hear this all the time, and I, too, had that same experience. For example, I was looking to re-cane a chair and stumbled upon The Caning Shop. Searching their site led me to colored pine needles, which led me to pine needle rimmed gourds. Others I know have migrated to gourds via their art craft. I know wood carvers who now carve on gourds as a change of pace, pyrography artists who now burn on gourds instead of wood, etc. Our featured artist for this issue is no different.

Janice Horner had not bought a gift in years. She prefers the personal touch and would find things to make. One Christmas, she burned wooden spoons and cutting boards for gifts. So, when she purchased a book on “Wood burning,” she was surprised to find in it a burned gourd. That piqued her interest since she was not sure what a gourd was. She then attended the Folsom Gourd Artists Festival in October 2017. “I won a raffle prize of a basket of gourds.” By November, she joined Folsom Gourd Artists. She learned about tools used to work on gourds and soon had a collection of tools. “Joining Folsom Gourd artists taught me the most, as we have monthly projects and many talented artists.” They also have “show ‘n tell,” where the artist describes how they made their pieces.

The only formal training Janice has had was in Interior Design. She mostly created soft goods for herself and her friends. “I met a lady who contracted herself to a casino where she did the decorating for Holidays and the monthly giveaways. I became her artist and seamstress.” That experience gave Janice a better “Artistic Vision.” She then took a Bonnie Gibson class and learned more about burrs and design. “I learned from practice and the mistakes I make in the process.”

When asked what her preferred mediums are, Janice said, “Acrylics because color adds interest, alcohol inks because the gourd markings stand out, and beading because it’s relaxing.” Janice also enjoys inlaying onto her gourds. “My shower door broke, and what else was I going to do with the glass pieces? Throwing it out was not an option.”

Janice does not feel she has one specific style. She prefers to let the gourd talk to her, then that becomes her style for that gourd; this way, no two are alike. “I enjoy using chards and incorporating them into my design. I like attaching gourds to wood, carving the wood, then using resin to make a cohesive design.” I asked Janice what she loves most about working with gourds; she said, “I love the tools; the “whirrnoise” makes me happy because I am creating something. There are so many art designs to be made using gourds, not just decorative bowls. I want to create things that make me happy, fulfill my inspiration and challenge me to create something unique.”

Janice does not post online. Her social media is her Husband, family, and neighbors. However, if someone wants to contact or connect with her, they can do so at: designsbyjliz@gmail.com.