Kathe Stark K-Star Gourd Creations Artists Statement After moving to the Southwest from the Midwest I became fascinated with gourds and their possibilities for creative endeavors. Gourds are a unique natural product seemingly waiting to be enhanced. The individual personality of each gourd guides the creative effort, pointing toward a design that will utilize the unique surface of each gourd instead of trying to cover it. Whether working on a vessel or mask, I strive to achieve timeless design, a respect for nature and the rich Native American history of the Southwest. Self-taught and after many trials and errors, my work has evolved to include woodburned and carved designs adorned with stone, shells, ink, dyes, paints, pine needles and feathers and whatever else speaks to me.   A pronounced tremor in my dominant hand poses challenges but, as with all things, perseverance prevails. Kathe Stark K-Star Gourd Creations www.kstargourds.com email:  kstarnm@comcast.net Las Cruces, New Mexico 575-405-0450