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About
the Artist
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"My
interest in Folk Art painting began in the 1980's while living and working
in Europe. I traveled at every opportunity, and quickly grew to love the
beautiful hand-painting I saw in each country. Years later, I decided
to pick up a paintbrush and try to beautify my home furnishings.
I had no formal training, but I was determined. My earliest work was influenced
by Norwegian, Dutch and German folk art, and years spent in New Mexico
had me quickly appreciating the Southwest style, and HOT
food, too!
In 1997 my partner Ken and I, along with our faithful collie, Czar, embarked
on a mid-life adventure. Purchasing a 33-foot trawler, we left responsibility
behind and headed for the West Indies. Five months later we arrived in
Puerto Rico and fell in love with the island. While
Ken opened a kite and flag shop, I began giving art classes and seminars,
painting decorative items in-between. Sometime later a friend introduced
me to the higüera, the
local
variety of calabash gourd. Not knowing what it was, I started hacking
away at it with all my might. I have subsequently inproved my carving
skills, and am now a certified Artesana, a title reserved for those
artists who, using materials indigenous to Puerto Rico, capture the island's
rich culture. (Ken, besides having great design ideas, is a real sport
for cleaning the gourds for me!). I decided to decorate the gourds the
same way as I'd painted plates and furniture...only now incorporating
elements of the Caribbean way of life.
In 1997 my partner Ken and I, along with our faithful collie, Czar, embarked
on a mid-life adventure. Purchasing a 33-foot trawler, we left responsibility
behind and headed for the West Indies. Five months later we arrived in
Puerto Rico and fell in love with the island. While
Ken opened a kite and flag shop, I began giving art classes and seminars,
painting decorative items in-between. Sometime later a friend introduced
me to the higüera, the
local
variety of calabash gourd. Not knowing what it was, I started hacking
away at it with all my might. I have subsequently inproved my carving
skills, and am now a certified Artesana, a title reserved for those
artists who, using materials indigenous to Puerto Rico, capture the island's
rich culture. (Ken, besides having great design ideas, is a real sport
for cleaning the gourds for me!). I decided to decorate the gourds the
same way as I'd painted plates and furniture...only now incorporating
elements of the Caribbean way of life. 
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Ken,
Czar and I continue to live and work on Ruff Life in La Parguera,
P.R.
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How
to Contact Us:
Andrea Jansen, Gourd Artist P.O. Box 3039, Lajas, P.R. 00667 Telephone: 1-787-309-7197 info@andreajansendesigns.com |
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