GAINES GOURDS
Gourd Art of Sylvia L. Gaines
Gourd Art of Sylvia L. Gaines
Gourd Art by Sylvia L. Gaines
I am a native Texan and grew up in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. From the time I was a child I loved to draw and color. My grandmothers were my biggest influences – one was a landscape pastel artist and the other was a hand-crafter who decorated eggs and made childrens clothes.
As I grew up, I learned to draw by looking at my dogs and cats and other animals around me. I I loved all animals but especially horses and after begging and pleading for a horse I finally got my first pony at 12 yrs. of age.
I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas with a BFA in Commercial Art. I have worked in the Graphic Arts field throughout my career and create my gourd art in my spare time.
I discovered gourds about 3 years ago and they have become my medium of choice. As a member of the Texas Gourd Society I am currently the Editor of the quarterly publication The Texas Gourdzette and am the Dallas Gourd Patch President. I enjoy competing in the Texas Gourd Festival and other competitions each year and I am looking forward to the day I can retire and design gourds full time.