Thunder Gourds by Debby Rising
Debby Rising is a California native artist who incorporates her love of woodworking, ceramics, and beadwork into gourds. Her Cherokee and Choctaw ancestors used gourds for daily and ceremonial uses. Debby has taught traditional rattle-making workshops in Native communities throughout the Central Valley. She has been a featured artist at The Crocker Art Museum’s Maker’s Fair, Sacramento, CA. Chris Sorensen Gallery Fresno, CA, and she is a former resident artist of Panama Pottery and MyStudio Sacramento, CA. Debby held a position on the council with the Cherokees of the North Central Valley for several years and is on the committee of the annual Cherokees of the West Craft Fair.
Almost all of the gourds I use come from the Southwest, where the growing season is long and temperatures are above average. By the time the work gets underway with a particular gourd, it may not be what I "saw" at the farm. As I look at it and hold it in my hands, I may get a different vision. It is like being talked to or guided. Although I may not see the finished piece at the onset of design, it unfolds as I work. Sometimes, I'm surprised by what transpires. It is for this reason I might sit with a gourd for a while or work at home with a gourd instead of at my studio. No two gourds are the same, and neither are the creations that are put on them.
Hold the Gourd Properly
Grip the thunder gourd gently with one hand around the gourd’s body, keeping the resonator opening facing down or away from you. Avoid covering the hole, as this allows the sound to resonate.
2. Activate the Spring
The thunder gourd has a metal spring attached to it. Lightly shake or tap the gourd so that the spring vibrates. This action creates the sound, which is amplified by the gourd’s hollow body.
Experiment with different intensities and rhythms. Shaking it gently creates a low, rumbling sound, while a firmer shake or tap produces a louder, more thunderous effect.
3. Use Variation for Effect
Adjust the angle, speed, and strength of your shakes to vary the sound. Depending on how you move the gourd, you can create short, soft rumbles or long, rolling thunder sounds.
Rotating or slightly tilting the gourd while shaking can add depth and variety to the sound as it modulates through the resonator.
4. Practice for Smooth Transitions
If you’re incorporating the thunder gourd into a sound healing session, practice transitioning smoothly between gentle and intense shakes to create a dynamic, atmospheric effect that aligns with the energy of the session.
The thunder gourd’s versatile sound is perfect for creating a natural atmosphere and adding layers to a soundscape, bringing listeners into a deep, meditative state. Enjoy experimenting with it!
Thundergourds by Debby Rising - Dreamcatcher (small)
The thunder gourd is a musical instrument that is fun and easy to play. And YES - it does sound like thunder! Debby’s thunder gourds are beautif...
View full detailsThundergourds by Debby Rising - Hummingbird (Small)
The thunder gourd is a musical instrument that is fun and easy to play. And YES - it does sound like thunder! Debby’s thunder gourds are beautif...
View full detailsThundergourds by Debby Rising - Monarch Butterfly (small)
The thunder gourd is a musical instrument that is fun and easy to play. And YES - it does sound like thunder! Debby’s thunder gourds are beautif...
View full detailsThundergourds by Debby Rising - Buffalo (Small)
The thunder gourd is a musical instrument that is fun and easy to play. And YES - it does sound like thunder! Debby’s thunder gourds are beautif...
View full detailsThundergourds by Debby Rising - Wolf (Large)
The thunder gourd is a musical instrument that is fun and easy to play. And YES - it does sound like thunder! Debby’s thunder gourds are beautif...
View full detailsThundergourds by Debby Rising - Wolf (Small)
The thunder gourd is a musical instrument that is fun and easy to play. And YES - it does sound like thunder! Debby’s thunder gourds are beautif...
View full detailsThundergourds by Debby Rising - Butterfly (Large)
The thunder gourd is a musical instrument that is fun and easy to play. And YES - it does sound like thunder! Debby’s thunder gourds are beautif...
View full detailsThundergourds by Debby Rising - Golden Ginko (medium)
The thunder gourd is a musical instrument that is fun and easy to play. And YES - it does sound like thunder! Debby’s thunder gourds are beautif...
View full detailsThundergourds by Debby Rising - Hummingbird (Large)
The thunder gourd is a musical instrument that is fun and easy to play. And YES - it does sound like thunder! Debby’s thunder gourds are beautif...
View full detailsThundergourds by Debby Rising - Dragonfly (large)
The thunder gourd is a musical instrument that is fun and easy to play. And YES - it does sound like thunder! Debby’s thunder gourds are beautif...
View full details