Barbara Yoxall

I had been doing beadwork for a few years as a creative outlet; then one day during the summer 2002 I took my grandson to a wood-carving show, and saw one person with pyroengraved gourds. Right then I knew that this medium had endless possibilities, that each finished gourd would be different, and that this was what I wanted to do..

I’ve taken numerous classes at the Ohio Gourd Show, joined the Ohio Gourd Association, bought some books and tools, and got started. Early on, I discovered that indeed each gourd was unique – and that when I work on a gourd, it talks to me (much as many wood carvers say that the spirit of the wood talks to them). And as far as I am able, each gourd becomes uniquely itself.

I’ve been juried into art exhibits and shows in Lake, Geauga, Cuyahoga and Trumbull counties, and have won ribbons at the Geauga County Fair the last two years. I’ve taught classes for the Geauga Park District on double rimmed gourd bowls and dream catcher necklaces. I was also involved with the Cleveland Botanical Gardens’ “Discover Gourds” event during the month of October, 2006.

Most of the gourds that I work with are for sale. Please contact me at byoxall@nacs.net for details.

Selected Art Pieces