Meet Jim Weller

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jim Weller.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I’ve worked with my hands all my life truck driver, flight instructor, firefighter, trainer, college instructor, but also enjoyed woodworking as a hobby. My wife and daughters are talented artisans in their own ways, but life was so busy for me that it seemed I didn’t have time to consider how developing an interest in the aesthetic side of life was possible.

Now that I’ve been retired for a few years when an opportunity to learn about gourd art was presented to me, I decided to join in on the event. Four years ago Sioux Westberry-Kaufman shared her love for this art form, and I was hooked. Thank you, Sioux!

These days, my time is taken up with teaching, writing, golf, and doing gourd art. I’m a happy guy.

Please tell us about your art.
All my life I’ve enjoyed figuring out how to make things intended for a certain purpose function in an entirely new and different way. That was coalesced with an art form for me when I was introduced to gourd art. The whole process of turning an unassuming bit of vegetation into something of beauty is a delightful experience for me. I often start with penciled-in lines drawn on a gourd before beginning to carve, only to have the outcome be significantly different as I discover what the gourd is giving me to work with. It turns out that the gourd was a thing of beauty all along; I just need to expose what the gourd offers.

My hope is that anyone who acquires a piece of my gourd art can relate to it in ways that help them see and experience beauty in their world.

What do you think about the conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
I am fortunate to live in the Phoenix area, and specifically in Mesa, where the arts are supported. The Mesa Arts Center is an excellent example of providing instruction and support for young and not-so-young artists. The Phoenix area has a thriving art community with multiple venues to display one’s art and wonderful support from the surrounding neighborhoods.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My work is shown on line via instagram @jkwellergourds, www.jkwellergourds, and Pinterest. My art is also available in the Mesa Art Center Artist Cooperative–TheStore–located downtown Mesa, Arizona.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jkwellergourds.com
• Email: jkwellergourds@gmail.com
• Instagram: @jkwellergourds
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JK-Weller-Gourds-2152682171611460/

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.