What is Inzentation?

In May 2020 whilst Marlene was practising techniques for her gourds... by chance, as pen met paper and it took on a life of its own. With a twist of fate with each stroke of the pen, fine lines came together and patterns flowed. When Marlene had her first exhibition, she didn’t feel drawn to calling her style doodling or zentangle, so she called it “Inzentation - In Zen you use your imagination”. Each piece ignites the imagination of the viewer. As you go deeper the pictures form from the fine lines and designs. Some people like to view the designs in recognizable form, however Marlene loves that her pieces are left totally to the viewer’s imagination.

Where does Marlene source her gourds?

Marlene decided to try growing her own gourds from seed in her garden in Tauranga, New Zealand. She has had pretty good success so far, her harvest average yield is around 25!

How do you prepare a gourd?

Once the vine has totally died off and the stem of the gourd has dried they are cut and stacked in a dark place to dry. Mould grows on the outside which helps the drying process. It takes about 6 months for them to fully dry out.

Before carving the mould has to be scrubbed off and washed with a metal sourer.  Once they are opened the dried flesh and seeds have to be scrapped out and sanded, Marlene uses the traditional way of cleaning out gourds, using stones that are rolled around inside, this is used on gourds that have a small opening.

What sizes and shapes do they come in?

There is an endless range of sizes and shapes, ranging from Christmas ornament-sized to large drums. Some are shaped like bells, some are long and skinny, some are lumpy, and some are shaped like pumpkins… their uniqueness is what makes them fascinating!

Find out more about the fascinating history of gourds

Does Marlene do commissions?

Yes, Marlene welcomes commissions for gourds or Inzentation. These are quite popular, with her latest being used as a corporate centrepiece for a local government body.

Please visit the Contact page to chat further about a custom commission for your home or your business.

Where is Marlene’s studio?

Marlne has just completed her new studio in the beautiful Welcome Bay. Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand.

Where does Marlene get her inspiration?

Marlene’s gourd inspiration came when she met an artist in the mountains of Japan who carved beautiful gourd lamps and bowls. The inspiration for each gourd is totally determined by the gourd itself. Marlene has a special connection with each gourd and in a way, the gourd chooses what it wants to become.

Where does Marlene ship to?

Currently, Marlene ships both her Gourds and Prints locally in New Zealand

If you live outside of NZ and are interested in any of her pieces, please use visit the Contact page and she will get back to you within 24 hours.