My name is Marilyn Sunderland. I was born and raised in Columbia, Missouri, but I have lived in Utah for over 30 years. I live in Riverton, Utah, a city south of Salt Lake, which strives to stay country. The valley is surrounded by beautiful mountains. I get a lot of my inspiration from the mountain areas, filled with beautiful foliage in the fall.
Art has always been a part of my life. I have painted portraits, landscapes, and various other subjects with oils, acrylics, and pen/ink mediums. I also do wood carving and glass engravings.
I have a Bachelor’s degree in Art Education from the University of Missouri-Columbia. I completed a two-year art course from the Art Instruction, Inc. of Minneapolis, Minnesota. I have acquired carving certificates for classes completed in gourd and creative wood carving. I have won several awards on my gourd carvings from the Utah Valley Wood Sculpture Show and the Wood Carvers Show & Competition in Utah, in the past two years.
I presented a carved gourd to Senator Orrin Hatch of Utah, and with his help and staff, one of my gourds was delivered to President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush at the White House. Click this link to see gourds.
About twelve years ago, I purchased my ultra high-speed carving/engraving tool. I decided to try carving gourds. I love the relief effects the carving gives, and I use my painting techniques to enhance the carvings. I usually carve the gourd first, before painting it with oils, acrylics, wood stains or dyes. I love to carve leaves and flowers on my gourds. Many times, I cut out individual leaves or flowers from other gourds and then attach them to my gourd to enhance the relief design. I love the versatility of the gourd
The gourd has become my canvas for my creative expressions. I enjoy the excitement of each day with what my imagination can bring forth in each gourd. I strive to learn more, create more, and to enjoy each day to the fullest.
Thank you for taking the time to visit my website. I hope you enjoy my world of Fine Art Gourds.
Check out my new line of Western Art Sculptures by visiting my new Western Art Gallery.
Marilyn Sunderland
