Colligen begins with a hard-shell gourd, engraving designs into the shell with a pyrographic pen before applying a variety of metallic and verdigris patinas on its surface. “I use many different metal leaf applications including composition, copper, chemically enhanced, hand-colored and 22 ct. gold,” he says. Gem stones are often inlaid and areas the artist calls 'faux burlwood' are actually a dye application made directly onto the gourd's surface. Reed, bamboo and a variety of metal and stone handles embellish the lids.

Colligen calls his pieces “Zen Vessels” and for anyone who has inspected the hundreds of meticulously applied dots of paint that make up an element of each gourd's design, it is easy to understand the focused intensity this gifted artist brings to each of his distinctive works of art. Numerous awards have been bestowed on Colligen's pieces including 1st Place at the Santa Fe Plaza Arts Festival ‘04, '05 and '06; Best of Show at the Sedona Arts Festival '06; and, Best in Category at the Indian Wells (CA) Arts Festival '06 and '07.

“My intent is to create an experience which impacts the collector with a sense of tranquility, beauty and balance,” Colligen says.  

Click on an image to see a larger view.