Shards

By Artist Kim Black | Beaver Meadow Arts

A shard is a section cut from a gourd. Giant gourds such as African wine kettle are used for this purpose. Their flatter curvature allows pieces to be cut which are more suitable for framed or unframed shard art. After the mold has been removed from both the front and the back, I sand the shard front and edges until they are smooth. I draw the design and the use wood burning or carving to add texture. Color is added using transparent ink dyes and/or acrylic paint. Sometimes I will add gold leaf, inlaid stones, conchos, beads or botanicals as embellishments. Each shard receives three coats of sealer before I add a hanger or mount it in a shadow box-type frame. Gourd shards are available framed or unframed.


Like all my designs, each one is unique. To see sizes, prices, shipping and more about each piece, click on any image in this gallery, then click on the ‘i’ icon at the bottom of the page. To hide it, click on it again. When you find something you’d like to purchase, make a note of the item # and use the ‘Contact/Purchase’ link in the main menu above.