I have been drawing and painting as long as I can remember influenced by my father who painted in oils.  I am pretty much self taught having taken some art classes through the years.  Working in a number of mediums such as decorative painting, murals, carving, and stained glass, I have never settled into one genre.  About ten years ago I discovered gourd art on a trip to Gatlinburg, TN.  The history of gourds alone is very fascinating while they lend themselves very well to dyeing, staining, painting, carving, sculpting and musical instruments.  They are truly nature's canvas and provide the ultimate in recycling.  There being hundreds of varieties and sizes of gourds, the possibilities for creativity are endless and never boring.