From Public Service to Creative Expression
Welcome to Happy Hummer Art & Gifts. My name is Sheri Harris. I'm a native Virginian who moved to the Sonoran Desert of Arizona after falling completely in love with it. Here, living in a place that calls to my spirit and soothes my soul, I feel the urge to create--whether through gardening or art. Wildlife and flowers dominate my work, which consists of carved and embellished gourds, gourd pins and barrettes, gourd Christmas ornaments, embossed and printed note cards, and mixed media paintings.
I retired from public service in Washington, DC, after spending 28 years designing publications, writing speeches and reports, and managing web-based systems. Mine had been a fulfilling but very busy and demanding career working at some of the highest levels of government. After moving to Arizona, I started to recharge my batteries and find my creative energy. I began to paint--something I hadn't done for almost 30 years. Not even my husband had ever seen my work before!
My first project was, of all things, a courtyard wall. Many southwestern homes have courtyard walls built around them to keep out animals like coyote and javelina. I found the concrete block wall ugly and boring. I decided to liven ours up by painting a mural of life in the Sonoran Desert.
I spent two years working on the wall. When it was done, the creative juices were still flowing. The painting led to an art form I'd never heard of back in Virginia: carving and embellishing dried gourds. The dried gourds I use are as hard as wood, making them perfect for carving. I particularly love this type of art because it allows me to work in 3D. In a way, my paintings come alive. Gourd art can be quite expensive because it requires a considerable amount of time and effort. I try to price my art competitively, and in many cases, my pieces are a bargain. I will take special orders so don't hesitate to convo me.
I use premium materials, ranging from archival quality paints and papers to dried gourds supplied by a local, family-owned farm in Casa Grande, AZ. I try to ship the day of or day after your paid order. I usually ship via the U.S. Postal Service either as First Class or Priority mail. I am willing to accommodate special requests should you desire a different mail service. I do offer shipping discounts on orders containing more than one item. My goal is to provide you with excellent service and delightful art.
You may wonder about the genesis of my shop name. It was inspired by a Costa's hummingbird named "Little Boy." Little Boy has taken up residence near my home, and has been with us for several years now, year round. He's a handsome fellow, with a bright purple handlebar mustache called a gorget. Sometimes, he'll indulge me and feed while perched on my hand. He's a lovely little soul. Without a doubt, he's a happy hummer.
Enjoy visiting Happy Hummer Art & Gifts, where art is inspired by nature and created with joy.
I retired from public service in Washington, DC, after spending 28 years designing publications, writing speeches and reports, and managing web-based systems. Mine had been a fulfilling but very busy and demanding career working at some of the highest levels of government. After moving to Arizona, I started to recharge my batteries and find my creative energy. I began to paint--something I hadn't done for almost 30 years. Not even my husband had ever seen my work before!
My first project was, of all things, a courtyard wall. Many southwestern homes have courtyard walls built around them to keep out animals like coyote and javelina. I found the concrete block wall ugly and boring. I decided to liven ours up by painting a mural of life in the Sonoran Desert.
I spent two years working on the wall. When it was done, the creative juices were still flowing. The painting led to an art form I'd never heard of back in Virginia: carving and embellishing dried gourds. The dried gourds I use are as hard as wood, making them perfect for carving. I particularly love this type of art because it allows me to work in 3D. In a way, my paintings come alive. Gourd art can be quite expensive because it requires a considerable amount of time and effort. I try to price my art competitively, and in many cases, my pieces are a bargain. I will take special orders so don't hesitate to convo me.
I use premium materials, ranging from archival quality paints and papers to dried gourds supplied by a local, family-owned farm in Casa Grande, AZ. I try to ship the day of or day after your paid order. I usually ship via the U.S. Postal Service either as First Class or Priority mail. I am willing to accommodate special requests should you desire a different mail service. I do offer shipping discounts on orders containing more than one item. My goal is to provide you with excellent service and delightful art.
You may wonder about the genesis of my shop name. It was inspired by a Costa's hummingbird named "Little Boy." Little Boy has taken up residence near my home, and has been with us for several years now, year round. He's a handsome fellow, with a bright purple handlebar mustache called a gorget. Sometimes, he'll indulge me and feed while perched on my hand. He's a lovely little soul. Without a doubt, he's a happy hummer.
Enjoy visiting Happy Hummer Art & Gifts, where art is inspired by nature and created with joy.