From her home overlooking the Bitterroot Valley in western Montana, Denise Pfau pursues her passion of turning materials from nature into unique one-of-a-kind creations. As a fifth generation Montanan with a heritage from the ranch lands and mountains, she is in love with the West and its rich cultural heritage.Her fascination with the hard-shell gourd began in the year 2000 while visiting family in Tucson. She was taken by the elegant shapes, and rich colors. She also loved their connection to the southwest designs and Native American people she has been intrigued with since her early childhood.Pfau’s work with gourds began with simple designs and techniques, but today her works are layered and complex. She melds intricate pyro-engraving, carving, beadwork, and basketry techniques using unique natural materials and traditional rattan. Her designs flow from one gourd to another, each being unique in its own design. Beads, leather, and botanical materials are carefully selected as finishing embellishments.