Art Spirit Masks by Ann Light


	I purchase my gourds from farmers who have been drying them in the field for about a year. Most come from Arkansas, Alabama and Georgia. I begin the tedious process of cleaning by soaking the gourd overnight before beginning to scrub away the accumulation of dirt and mold. After cutting it in half I study it so the shape and texture of the gourd can guide me in cutting the eyes and mouth and deciding upon the design. When satisfied, I woodburn the design into the gourd, often using my burner to shade and add emphasis. For color, I primarily use leather dyes and wax applied with a Q-Tip for maximum control. These mediums allow the natural markings of each gourd to come through to create the uniqueness and depth which bring it to life.		The eyes are hand sewn with artificial sinew and any additions are cut from pieces of a dipper gourd. Then the excitement begins as each mask really starts to develop its personality. I begin to embellish them from a collection of natural materials such as hand-dyed raffia, seagrass, pine needles, jacaranda pods, date palm stalks, coconut fiber, pine cones, nuts, feathers and beads. Often I'll adorn them further with scraps from my collection of antique and ethnic fabric. Finally, I wax and buff the surface to bring out the color and texture. The mask is then carefully finished on the inside and every one contains a native proverb or inspiring message. Each is one of a kind and my last step is to sign and date the mask.