Ray Brown Art
HomeAbout the Artist
Ray Brown, a native of Tennessee, has lived in Southern California for over 40 years. He has received no formal art training but has been informally involved for a long while, principally painting for family and friends on canvas using acrylics, oils and pastels. In 1996 he moved to Brevard, North Carolina in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, stayed for 2 years and then returned to California. While in North Carolina he was introduced to a form of art, one which has been practiced for hundreds of years by people all over the world – that of crafting gourds for both artistic and practical uses. Ray was immediately hooked and has been creating gourd art pieces ever since. His fascinating works – each one of a kind - are favorites of collectors across the land.
Ray grows his own specimens from seed in his home gardens. After the growing season ends each October, the gourds are left on their supporting vines. Following the first good frost the vines die and the gourds are moved to a suitable drying location, such as a garage or outbuilding. It takes about seven months for the gourds to properly cure to a hard wood composition. Then they must be cleaned for art or craft purposes.
When preparing to work on a gourd, factors such as size, shape and color - as well as markings and any flaws it may have - can influence, or even dictate, the ultimate design of the finished piece. Techniques include carving or pyroengraving and may also utilize oil, acrylic, watercolor and pastel paints or leather dyes. Some pieces feature multiple media.
In explaining what art means to him, Ray writes:
“Self-expression and the desire to share the resulting product are central to all art forms. It is exciting and rewarding to be a part of the creative process. By making my own art, I fulfill creative needs and challenge myself to craft something which can please others.”
Ray's art has been featured at numerous California exhibitions and galleries including:
- Cal State University, Channel Islands
- Art in the Park - Ojai,
- Santa Paula Art Show
- Ojai Day Exhibits
- The Ojai Art Center
- Arts Festival, Santa Barbara
- Crowne Plaza Hotel, Ventura
- Primavera Gallery, Ojai
- Janis' Gallery, Ojai
- Sea Breeze Gallery, Ventura
- Crossroads Gallery, Tehachapi
- Ventura Artists' Union Gallery
- Buenaventura Gallery
- Westlake Village Art Gallery
