Michael Harburg: Hawaiian Gourd Carver

Before leaving for Hawaii, my husband and I decided that time and opportunity permitting, I should visit Michael Harburg, at his gallery, Ipu Kane on the Big Island. So, yesterday, I flew to Kona Airport and drove up to Hawi. The drive was straightforward through ancient lava fields that looked as if they could have been formed just a few days ago. I drove to the northern most point on the Big Island and found Michael outside of his gallery, in the middle of unveiling a gourd that he had recently dyed. He gave me a tour of his gallery and then showed me the process involved in transforming a gourd into art. He mentioned that this art form would have been lost if it was not for Dr. Bruce Crisman who figured out how the carvings were done. Michael teaches this ancient art of gourd carving to other people in order to ensure that the art form will be preserved for future generations.
Michael also mentioned that he has taken the art form to another level by being able to use multiple colors instead of just one. Since Mother Nature has a hand in the transformation of the gourd into art Michael said that every time he scrapes off the skin that is left on the gourd to unveil the result, it is a unique and wonderful surprise.
Michael's niece Mary was there and she is in advertising and is a multi-talented graphic artist and web designer. She will be updating Michael's current website to include more photos of the gourd art. In the meantime, here is a beautiful example what Michael and Mother Nature can produce:

So, what does ancient Hawaiian gourd carving have to do with a winery in Connecticut? You'll have to stay tuned to find out. Meanwhile, if you ever find yourself in Hawaii, take a trip to the Big Island to see Michael Harburg and his fabulous Hawaiian gourds and take a piece of ancient Hawaii home with you.