Mary Segreto is a “2008 Art in the Round Contest” participant.
Sculpted gourds by Mary Segreto (copyright Mary Segreto)
Artist’s Statement: I have always been attracted to natural forms, so the gourd holds an innate fascination for me. The concept of the container has particular resonance for me as an artist. Each shapely gourd is a container of the seeds for the next generation, symbolizing the feminine and emanating the vibrational energy of the earth which sustained it for an entire growing season. For the past 14 years I have been drawn to this prime example of nature’s handiwork, enticed to begin where Mother Nature left off.
I am a Minnesota native who spent enough time in southern California to become immersed in gourds as an art medium. In the summer of 2006 I traveled with my husband, one dog, one cat, and a trailer full of gourds to make our home in Birmingham, Alabama. It is here that I became the self declared “Artist in Residence” for Mardi Gourds, the art supply company my husband and I have created.
Artistic Medium: Gourds. I can begin with a seed and grow my own gourd canvas. How irresistable is that? No two are alike, allowing for endless possibilities.
Artistic Resume: I have won numerous awards from around the United States, including:
- 2008, February, Best in Show, Gourd Society, Florida
- 2007, October, President’s Award, Gourd Society, Alabama
- 2007, October, Judges Choice, Gourd Society, Ohio
- 2006, June, Best in Show, Gourd Society, California
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