Dr. Mary Lou Skelton
505.620.3312 www.skeltonhealth.com Mary Lou Skelton loves gourds, their texture, feel and variability. addomg details with colors, wood burning. carving and embellishing. It’s fun to grow these plants and then to watch it turn into art. |
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In 2009 I moved to New Mexico, where I continued my career as a Chiropractor while also searching for new avenues of creative expression (because who wouldn’t in this beautiful land). That journey led me to gourds – and I immediately discovered a medium that captivated me with its natural form, texture, versatility and remarkable potential for transformation.
Although I had never formally pursued art, I simply let my intuitive self come forward and opened up to the world of gourd art. I was drawn to the feel of a gourd in my hands and the challenge of honoring their unique shapes and character while revealing the artistic potential of this plant. Through design, carving, wood-burning, texture and embellishment, I transform these gourds into creations that range from the quietly simple to the richly detailed.
The beauty and spirit of the Southwest is what is reflected in my art. This enchanted land and culture, the colors and shapes, the stillness and peace continually influence my work. I seek to explore the heart and soul within each of us and translate that into visual and textural
expressions that are uplifting and meaningful to me.
I am particularly drawn to shapes and geometric designs and figures that tell a story. My work increasingly reflects my background as a healer – by exploring color use, themes of connection, emotion and resilience. And feeling the human spirit I’m able to work with the shapes the gourd presents and see what emerges. We are all connected, and I am a work in progress having some fun with this.
For me the art is about transformation from nature to art form. It’s my hope that each piece offers the viewer a glimpse of the joy and quiet magic I have been able to discover through this remarkable medium.
Although I had never formally pursued art, I simply let my intuitive self come forward and opened up to the world of gourd art. I was drawn to the feel of a gourd in my hands and the challenge of honoring their unique shapes and character while revealing the artistic potential of this plant. Through design, carving, wood-burning, texture and embellishment, I transform these gourds into creations that range from the quietly simple to the richly detailed.
The beauty and spirit of the Southwest is what is reflected in my art. This enchanted land and culture, the colors and shapes, the stillness and peace continually influence my work. I seek to explore the heart and soul within each of us and translate that into visual and textural
expressions that are uplifting and meaningful to me.
I am particularly drawn to shapes and geometric designs and figures that tell a story. My work increasingly reflects my background as a healer – by exploring color use, themes of connection, emotion and resilience. And feeling the human spirit I’m able to work with the shapes the gourd presents and see what emerges. We are all connected, and I am a work in progress having some fun with this.
For me the art is about transformation from nature to art form. It’s my hope that each piece offers the viewer a glimpse of the joy and quiet magic I have been able to discover through this remarkable medium.
