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Denise Meyers Signed “Turquoise Kokopelli” Decorative Gourd 2000
Was $500 - Now $250 or best offer
This unique sculpture by artist Denise Meyers is a one-of-a-kind piece that showcases her expertise in carving gourds. The piece, titled "Turquoise Kokopelli" was produced in 2000 and is signed by the artist. It features intricate details common to Pueblo pottery and design. It is a must-have for those interested in spirituality and Native American themes.
The sculpture measures 8" x 8” x 5-1/2”. It is a unique piece and is an original production by the artist. Don't miss your chance to own this exquisite work of art.
Part of a private collection that is being dispersed. One of a kind, hand painted, hand carved gourd by Denise Meyers. Exquisite detailing and in perfect condition.
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Features
* Hand Carved
* Pueblo Design, Symbols, and Motifs
* Turquoise Gemstone Inlay
* Wax-based Stains
* Layers of Brilliant Acrylics
* Protective Ultraviolet Coating
* 8” x 8” x 5-1/2”
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The Legend of Kokopelli
Kokopelli has appeared in Native American stories for more than 3,000 years. He is often depicted as playing a flute and having a humpback or pack on his back. He is known as a fertility deity, often with an oversized phallus and feathers or antenna-like protrusions on his head.
Kokopelli’s Humpback
Some believe that Kokopelli’s humpback evolved from a sack that was slung over his shoulder that caused his back to bend. What was contained in his sack varies among different Native American tribes.
In Pueblo mythology, Kokopelli is depicted as carrying seeds, babies, and blankets in his hump and offered them to the maidens of the village. Kokopelli is also a wandering minstrel with a sack of songs on his back who trades old songs for new ones.
In the Navajo traditions, Kokopelli’s hump was filled with clouds, seeds, and rainbows. He was a minor god of hope and plenty and brought forth seeds and food to the people.
The Hopi believed Kokopelli’s hump carried deer skins, shirts, and moccasins which he used to barter for brides or babies to give to the young women of the village. The Hopi also believed Kokopelli carried all the seeds of the world which he scatters on the ground every Spring as he travels from village to village.
The Anasazi saw Kokopelli as a fertility spirit during corn planting season. A visit from Kokopelli assured a plentiful crop season.
To the Zuni Kokopelli was a rain god and a spiritual priest with healing powers.
Many tribes believed Kokopelli carried songs on his back while his flute playing brought happiness and joy. His magical music can also make the sun come out to listen and soothe the earth to make it fertile for planting. His songs could also inspire creativity, make good dreams come true, and bring good luck and prosperity to those who deserve it. Kokopelli was generally welcomed wherever he went.
Kokopelli is also thought to be a trickster. He tricks the most beautiful girl in the village into having sex with him. Some believe the Trickster figure as a sort of important cultural “release valve.”
Kokopelli is also associated with a traveling salesman, insect, musician, warrior, and hunting magician.
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Denise Meyers
Concentrating of vivid wildlife imagery, but also adapting Native American icons, Denise prides herself on creating a sense of animation in her painting and the illusion of depth in her carving. Each one-of-a-kind piece can take up to 500 hours or more to complete. Her work is represented by eight major galleries and articles on her work have appeared in Wildlife Art Magazine, Southwest Art Magazine, Sculpture Forum, Cowboys & Indians, Mountain Living, Art of the West, The Arizona Republic and the San Diego Tribune.
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Turning Gourds into Art
Recalling the days when painters supervised the harvest of flax for canvas, Denise hand picks her ornamental gourds from farms in Central and Southern California at the beginning of each season. With over 60,000 gourds to choose from, careful selection affords Denise the best quality 'canvas' for her artistic inspiration.
After washing the gourds in a warm suds bath with heavy pot scrubbers, Denise removes the tops with one of three implements; a utility knife, a jigsaw, or a circular drill bit (depending on the desired cut). She then removes the seeds and skins, cleans the inside with wire brushes and sandpaper and finally seals the interior with black spray paint.
Denise calls upon her Oregon State University studies in pencil drawing to freehand draw her designs directly on her gourds. Although stencils sometimes speed the process for her smaller gourds, the larger and more intricate pieces are always drawn freehand, even when the basic details of a design are repeated, because the shape, size and texture of each gourd is unique.
To make the drawn images permanent, Denise uses two types of woodburning tools. She uses a temperature controlled woodburner with an extremely fine blade for delicate or highly intricate work, and a heavy duty woodburner to create depth and texture. On pieces requiring more dimension (and/or inlay of any kind) she uses a carving tool to cut and smooth away parts of the gourd. She sands the gourd with medium and fine grade sandpaper, then hand paints with a variety of wax based stains (which not only color the skin, but provide a protective seal). In designs with beadwork or chipped stone inlay she painstakingly applies them with a toothpick or beading needle and a bonding medium.
Denise finishes all her pieces with several coats of UV protective sealer.
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This unique decorative gourd is a beautiful piece of art created by Denise Meyers, a talented artisan from the United States. The design features a Kokopelli figure inlaid with stunning turquoise stones. The gourd is handmade and is an original piece, perfect for collectors of Native American crafts. The artist's attention to detail and skillful craftsmanship is evident in every aspect of the piece.
The gourd is believed to be representative of the Pueblo tribe and would make an excellent addition to any collection or a lovely gift for anyone who appreciates the beauty of Native American art. The piece is signed by the artist, making it even more special. Whether displayed in a home or office, this gourd is sure to be a conversation starter.
