Although
I have been an
artist all my life, I became a professional artist in September of 1999. I
began working primarily with gourds, but I don’t think of
myself as a gourd artist. In fact I am
really more an anti-gourd artist. Gourds
have a very personal, spiritual significance to me, and have provided me an
opportunity to explore my quirky nature.
My Uncommon Vessels’ humble beginnings
were in the form of food safe tortilla warmers.
In the years since 1999, I have made and sold thousands of them and
continue to sell them. My creations
today are a melding of hand-forged iron, metals, wood, beads, stone and gourds.
I believe gourds are God’s boxes and by working with them I’ve discovered the Pandora in me. Most of my customers are women, and many have expressed to have a fastination with boxes. I think most of us are an undiscovered Pandora.
Since I began making functional gourd boxes, I've been led further to cherish the people and things I have known in my life that helped shape who I am. Recently my theme has become centered on the journey of life and I incorporate this into found object assemblage and sculptural women. From the sweet women I knew as a child and the angels who've rescued me on my journey, I have developed my art into something that speaks to the heart.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Art and currently reside in Arlington, Texas, although I am a native of the Texas Gulf Coast region.
Uncommon Vessels is not a production studio. All my pieces are handmade and are one of a kind. I can duplicate my designs, even though the shape and size of gourds vary. Color and decorative detail varies also. Customers ordering through the website may request an image of the actual piece they are purchasing before the transaction is completed.
Custom orders are welcome!
My On-Line Gallery
For more information about
my designs or to purchase:
Call me:
817-457-8903 (studio)
817-996-7485 (cell)
email me: marla.cook@sbcglobal.net
all major credit cards accepted
