Chris Warren & Leslee Burtt

Dan and Julia Rickards, owners of the Clearwater Gallery in Sisters, are very proud to be featuring gourd and basket artists Leslee Burtt and Chris Warren. The two women, who never mind being referred to as the "gourdacious babes," have been good family friends and long time business partners for over twenty years. The collaboration of their skills and talents results in interesting, functional and beautiful art with wide appeal.

Gourds and baskets have served utilitarian needs for centuries; today they also provide a distinctive backdrop for creative arts. "Each gourd’s unique shape inspires originality and surprise," says Burtt. "It’s part of what makes doing this art so much fun." But before "the fun can begin" intense time must go to the actual preparation of each gourd. The cleaning and scraping process is tedious, and an extremely important component of a fine, completed piece. When their "canvas" is ready, Leslee and Chris begin by applying leather dyes in bold, rich colors. Next, the shape helps determine which materials and what scenes and designs may be drawn. Hand woven pine needles often bind gourds’ openings, feathers, beads and precious stones may also be woven at this point. Taking license from folk artists, Leslee and Chris have become known for their whimsical interpretations on life. From village scenes and intricate quilts flapping in the wind, to purple trees and green clouds, these gourds are guaranteed to make you smile.