Texas Gourd Society
Featured Artist
I am a lifetime resident of San Antonio, Texas and have two college degrees: Associates in Science and Associates in Arts. I attempted pre-med but calculus got the best of me so I turned to business management. I managed four physical therapy out-patient clinics - owning two before being forced to close due to insurance reform.
When my mom passed away in July of 2000, I found I had too much time on my hands. I kept myself busy making jewelry, studying various forms of Alternative Healing, sewing and gardening. While shopping one day, I found a carved gourd. Looking at it, I thought, "I can do that; now, what's a gourd?" I found TGS on the Internet, attended a meeting and bought several gourds. I became a member in 2006, entered the TGS competition that Fall and came home with five blue ribbons.
It was not until I entered my first art gallery exhibit that I knew this was what I really wanted to do. I did an altar in 2008 for "Dia De Los Muertos" (Day of the Dead) in honor of mother. The entire altar was to a 1" scale made inside a 14" bottle gourd. While surfing the internet, I came across a video on the meaning behind ”Dia De Los Muertos," and how it was celebrated in San Antonio. It was aired in New York City. As I watched, I was surprised to see my gourd on display. Wow! Here was my mom on national TV! To me, it was her way of telling me to go for it.
http://www.ny1.com/content/ny1_living/travel/Default.aspx?ArID=88132
I have displayed my gourds in many art gallery events and festivals. My last art gallery event was at Centro Cultural Aztian Art Gallery in San Antonio, TX for “Our Lady of Guadalupe Feast Day.” This is held annually on December 12th. I have been fortunate to have my artwork photographed in the newspaper and on television. One important decision, that I made from the beginning, was not to duplicate my artwork. Just as all gourds are different and unique, so are all the art pieces I create.
Maria Isabel Aguilar
San Antonio, TX
TGS & AGS Member since 2006; AGS Judge since 2010
Website: www.mariaisabelaguilar.com
Maria Isabel Aguilar
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