The artist is Bertha Medina, from Cochas Chico Huancayo, a small village high in the Andes of Peru. Bertha learned the art of gourd carving at the age of five from her father, Evaristo Medina, who is also world-famous for his work. Gourd carving goes back generations in the Medina family. Each gourd is unique and tells a story of daily life in the Peruvian Andes. The gourds she carves are grown only on the coast of Peru, and she travels there to find the right gourd for each creation. Once collected, the gourds are painstakingly hand-carved using a variety of knives, awls, and other tools. Details are then hand-painted onto the gourd, or other shading effects are created using burning cords or small twigs to mark the gourd’s surface.
From the Folk Art Market website: The artist is Bertha Medina, from Cochas Chico Huancayo, a small village high in the Andes of Peru. Bertha learned the art of gourd carving at the age of five from her father, Evaristo Medina, who is also world-famous for his work. Gourd carving goes back generations in the Medina family. Each gourd is unique and tells a story of daily life in the Peruvian Andes. The gourds she carves are grown only on the coast of Peru, and she travels there to find the right gourd for each creation. Once collected, the gourds are painstakingly hand-carved using a variety of knives, awls, and other tools. Details are then hand-painted onto the gourd, or other shading effects are created using burning cords or small twigs to mark the gourd’s surface. I found this gourd at a thrift shop in Minneapolis and felt lucky to discover it. It was signed by Bertha Medina, so I looked her up when I got home. Beautiful. Thank you Ms. Medina, and thank you whoever donated such a treasure to the thrift store.
2 Comments
8/29/2023 02:28:08 pm
My wife and I are leaving our home of 50 years and we own a gourd by Berth Medina. I would like to sell it to an appreciative buyer do you know anyone who may be interested in owning this lovely grapefruit size creation?
Reply
ELIZABETH WILLBORN
9/22/2023 09:43:21 am
May I see photos and hear more about your piece by Bertha Medina?
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorI am an artist. I live in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Categories |