02 Feb Letting the Gourd Speak: The Art of Chris Jones

Chris Jones’s path into gourd art began by chance and grew into a lifelong practice shaped by curiosity, experimentation, and family. While on a fishing trip in Cherokee, North Carolina, a slow day on the water led him to wander into a local gourd festival. There, he encountered alcohol-based staining techniques that revealed a creative world he had never imagined. Inspired by what he saw, Chris and his father quickly immersed themselves in the craft.

Since that first discovery, Chris has created more than 5,000 pieces and exhibited at festivals throughout the eastern United States. His work has appeared at events ranging from Bridge Day in West Virginia to the Lexington Barbecue Festival, where he was awarded “Best of the Best” among 400 vendors. Each piece reflects years of refinement and a deep understanding of both material and process.

What sets Chris apart is his mastery of alcohol-staining techniques, which produce unpredictable and mesmerizing patterns unique to each gourd. His process balances control with spontaneity. He uses tools such as Q-tips and bottles to guide the ink, but the gourd’s shape, texture, and absorption ultimately determine the final result. He further enhances his work with metallic accents, leather, feathers, and pine needle wraps, adding depth, texture, and visual complexity. Collaboration plays a central role in Chris’s practice. His wife contributes intricate leather braiding and embellishments, and his daughter-in-law has experimented with pyrography on select pieces. Though he refers to his work as a hobby, Chris approaches each gourd with the precision, discipline, and care of a seasoned artist, balancing creative satisfaction with the practical realities of craft show economics.

Chris’s connection to ‘Round the Mountain began around 2012. He values the network’s commitment to recognizing artisan value and creating spaces where handmade work is truly appreciated and not undervalued.

Chris Jones’s story is rooted in improvisation, family, and respect for natural materials. It is a testament to finding creativity in unexpected places and to letting the material lead the way. As he often says, the gourd begins to talk to you as it takes shape.