Originally from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Don is
the father of two sons, David and Nathan. He now resides in Houston,
Texas with his current wife, Susan, six cats, and a pond full of goldfish.
As a youth in Boy Scouts, he developed a love for the outdoors and Native
American traditions. He spent many hours in the woods camping and fishing
and was a member of a Native American dance team. He earned the rank of Eagle
Scout and is employed by the BSA as a Territory Manager for the National
Supply Group.
Don is basically a self-taught artist and has experimented with a range
of styles (Native American, primitive, Asian, etc.). His earlier artwork
included woodcarving and sculpture. Since his introduction to gourd
art in 2003 his primary focus has been wildlife art on gourds. He uses carving,
painting, wood-burning, and embellishments, such as the addition of clay,
to enhance the texture, shape, and thickness of the gourd. Don’s main
objective is to try to blend the realistic with the artistic. He diligently
researches his subject matter so that he can add just the right detail to
his artwork. It is his hope that his finished pieces are aesthetically
appealing and will faithfully depict the subject that he has created.
Don’s gourd art has evolved tremendously since winning Honorable Mention
in the Newcomer’s Class at the 2004 TGS show. In 2006, Don was one
of 17 artists featured at the first Southwest Gourd Fine Art Show at the Kerr
Arts and Cultural Center in Kerrville, TX. He ended 2006 by winning
the TGS’s Best of Show and the People’s Choice Award for his work entitled
"The Fishing Hole." He will be the featured artist at the 2007 TGS
Show in Waco. Don can be reached through his website
http://vyskocilarts.com.
