In 2006 Vicki Patterson  relocated from Tucson Arizona to The North Georgia Mountains to enjoy the green foliage, something that is not to plentiful in Arizona. Vicki is a member of the Society of Decorative Painters, American Gourd Society and the Georgia Gourd Society.  

Vicki spent the last 31 years working in the corporate world as a Quality manager and Subcontract Administrator for the Asian area. But Art has always been in her life as a hobby.  She submitted her gourd art to the corporate art show held in Dallas Texas in 2003 and 2004 and received 1st place both years. Also in 2004 she decided to enter one of her gourds and paintings in the Tucson county fair. She came away with a 1st place on her gourd art and Best of Show on her oil painting.  This was a sure sign that there was a talent that needed to grow.  

Vicki’s art background has included leather tooling, pottery, beading and painting with oil, acrylic and watercolor. In 1999, after attending a local gourd class in Tucson, she became hooked on another art form. In 2004 Vicki trained in gourd carving with nationally recognized gourd artist, Bonnie Gibson. She fell in love with the aspect of carving on a gourd, and now has decided to focus on her gourd art.   By incorporating a variety of media and learned skills, Vicki produces truly “one of a kind “art pieces.  She uses a dremal tool and a turbo power carver to achieve great detail.   

Vicki's' art is created in two forms: eclectic fine art gourds and spirit people gourds. The fine art gourds are made by detail carving, stone inlay and painting. The spirit people gourds are made with hand sculpted faces, handmade paper, and embellished with feathers, beads and other interesting found objects.  

There is really no pre-conceived design when Vicki starts to work on a gourd. She just lets her creativity flow. She creates and designs as she works along on each piece.  Of course creating cannot be done without listening to music in her studio set back in the tall green trees.  Her favorite musicians are R. Carlos Nakai (Native American flute music) and Enigma.

 Vicki will be our guest artist here at the gallery:

  Saturday August 2nd, 2008  12 PM to 4 PM

Please try to come in and meet this fascinating artist and watch her create!

 Each piece is truly unique. Please call 706-632-6625 or email turningleaf@tds.net to check availability: