About Pam Hughes, artist

Pam graduated from UNA in her hometown of Florence, AL, as an art major. In the 1990's, Pam began decorating some of the gourds she and her husband grew for birdhouses. She found the gourds to be versatile—no two are alike and they are usually quite sturdy. Pam begins each piece by drawing a grid, then her design onto the gourd, measured precisely to within 1/16th of an inch. Next she uses ink to make the design permanent and follows that process with leather dyes or stains. On some projects, Pam uses pyroengraving to burn the design onto the gourd. She finishes by coating each piece with polyurethane. Because Pam wants her designs to be as exact as possible, each piece can take days, or even weeks, to create.


The gourds are a natural medium for Pam's art since she prefers projects that reflect balance and precise measurements. Using the gourds grown in her backyard, Pam has created unique table lamps, baskets, bowls, planters, vases, containers with lids, and ornaments.


Pam's gourds have won "Best In Show" in two gourd festivals. And her gourds have been displayed in galleries across the Southeast. Pam derives great pleasure from the creative process of her gourd art and much satisfaction from the finished product.

Mailing Address:
Chatanooga, TN

Phone: (423) 238-4868

Official website: http://www.gourdgraphics.com

Email us at: gourdgraphics@comcast.net