NORMA A. HOLLAND

FINE ART OF THE SOUTHWEST

Gourds play a major role in the cycle of life and, with that, creating a piece of art that will be put on view in someone’s home or an art gallery is a humbling experience.   I work long and hard to assure that each of my pieces expresses both the beauty and the power of individual subjects.  Gourd art is my passion and I am privileged to be able to pursue what I love. 

(775) 267-4642

HollandGourdArt@verizon.net

Kokopellis Kachina

Thunder Rund Gourd

Flowers Dancing in the Wind

The Challenge

Owl in Yellow Moon

Run With the Moon

Warrior Drum

Spirit of Freedom

White Feather's Drum

Wisdom & Power

Shadow Catcher

I was born in Los Angeles, California, and have lived in the Carson City area for over 20 years.  I am an active member of the Nevada Artists’ Association and have had my pieces displayed in several art galleries and shops in Nevada, California and Idaho.

I have researched the history of the gourd and am intrigued by their prehistoric existence and how they were used as tools and musical instruments by many cultures around the world.  This is why I chose them as my canvas.  As a fine gourd artist, I hand pick gourds from farms in Central California at the beginning of each season.  Careful selection affords me the best quality gourds for my artistic inspiration.  Once the perfect gourd is selected, I go through the lengthy process of cleaning them with warm water and heavy pot scrubbers to remove the mold and dirt.  I may remove tops on some and others leave as one piece.  After cleaning, cutting and drying, I am ready for my creative process to begin.   I freehand draw the designs directly on the gourd, even when the basic details of a design are repeated, because the shape, size and texture of each gourd are unique.  I focus primarily on Native American icons, western and wildlife subjects, and create the artwork to the gourd shape and size.  Each of my pieces is one-of-a-kind.   I also enjoy painting on hand-made drums that I purchase from Indian Markets in the Southwest. 

I was asked by the Nevada Indian Commission to participate as a featured artist in the November 2006, Stewart Indian School Fundraiser for the restoration of the Stewart Indian School Museum and to also participate as a vendor and featured artist in the 58th Annual Governor’s Interstate Indian Council Conference held September, 2007, at the Horizon Casino Resort in Lake Tahoe, California.

My artwork has been featured in the Reno-Gazette Journal newspaper and I was a participating artist in the Fiber Celebrated XIII and Rock Art Foundation shows at Gene Speck’s Silver State Gallery in Reno, NV in 2004-2005. I have won several awards at the Nevada Artists Association juried shows and

recently won a second place ribbon and honorable mention ribbon in the 2009 NAA Summer Show.