Featured Artist Spring 2022

Jessica Einboden of the Ventura County Gourd Artists

Written By Evy Eisele, Libbi Salvo, and Jessica Einboden

How it began:

Jessica is in her third year as Vice President of the Ventura County Gourd Artists. Ventura is the third gourd group she has had the pleasure of being a part of. Her interest in gourds began over 12 years ago when she would accompany her mom to Patch meetings. During that time, she learned so many fun ways to make gourd art and is still, to this day, excited to learn more, even though her true passion is sewing, everything from her own clothes to handbags and quilts.

An Adventurous Gourder: 

Jessica started gourding by working on small projects at the gourd meetings. Her favorite mediums when working on gourds is anything untraditional, mediums not generally used on gourds. Jessica also likes scrapbooking and uses scrapbooking techniques and materials, such as embossing powders, grit paste, embellishments, and even metal or cardboard on gourds. She also likes to incorporate fiber arts in her pieces, such as weaving, knotless netting, twining. Given her adventurous nature, it is no surprise that Jessica is currently trying to figure out ways to incorporate quilting into her gourd art but hasn't quite sorted that out yet. "I enjoy trying new things that are not traditionally gourd art techniques or those that are not commonly used on gourds."

We look forward to seeing Jessica's “quilted gourd” in the future!

Health Issues: 

In 2013, after a great many years of health issues, Jessica was finally diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, an autoimmune disease that attacks the joints, soft tissue, and major organs. Then in 2015, she suffered a severe back condition requiring emergency surgery. Skip to 2022, Jessica has now had ten surgeries related to her back or R.A. and is now permanently disabled. "My health is something I struggle with every day, some days more than others." 

New Beginnings: 

Jessica recently acquired a new puppy, Hazel, an intelligent, fun-loving, deeply devoted little furry girl. She is a service dog in training, and it takes years to become a fully trained service dog. Task training alone cannot be taught until the dog is 1.5-2 years. So, Jessica and Hazel have a way to go. But Hazel is a star and has shown both the desire to learn and the ability to alert Jessica when she's not feeling well or of something that is not quite right. "Alerting is not something that can be taught; it must be an innate ability. Since Hazel is a rescue, I got unbelievably lucky with her." 

One day at a January patch meeting, Hazel proved her abilities when she alerted Jessica for the first time in public. "With so much going on and me not feeling good, she got a bit overwhelmed and very nervous, just like a child might know something is wrong with a parent." 

Hazel will allow Jessica to be more independent and safer in her day-to-day life. Though still a puppy, and due to the pandemic and Jessica's disability, they could not go out and train in public as much as they would like. Training in public is crucial to Hazel's learning; gourd group meetings have helped them tremendously! "Being in a safe environment among trusted friends has given us both great practice and more confidence in our training. I want to thank everyone at the meetings for being so understanding and patient with us, especially when she gets a bit overwhelmed or acts like the puppy she is." "Everyone's continued help and support will ensure that in time Hazel will be the perfect service animal. I am excited for our future and the opportunities that will be possible because she is by my side."