Candy Thomas has created original gourd art expressions, over a twelve year span. She has exhibited her unique gourd vessel creations in numerous galleries and shops, including Kettering, Ohio, Tipp City, Ohio, West Milton, Ohio, and recently added to the fine art collections at Exquisite Designs Originals Gallery, in Bisbee, Arizona. Candy‘s elegantly balanced inspirational pieces have been admired by, and received the attention of, fine art collectors, as well as nature appreciative people, who simply wish to add an interior accessory that offers a spirit of peace to their home. Her art is truly “original” in that Candy’s creative process and flow is unique to each specific piece at the time that it was created. She will never attempt to duplicate one of her own pieces out of respect to her spirit guide, herself and her clients.

Candy Thomas grew up in Dayton, Ohio, but has spent most of her adult life on the rich farmlands of Ohio’s Darke County. The land, forests, wildlife, and a sense of ancient native stewardship have greatly influenced the mental images from where her creations flow. In her words her art has "experienced an evolution—with guidance". Candy has an inherent uncanny spiritual connection with nature and Southwest Native American culture.

Ms. Thomas’s original earth friendly art pieces can be characterized into 4 distinct collector series, and  with spirits willing, future series will be forthcoming.

The Spirit Series features intricately detailed burning in addition to stone inlays and beautifully skilled carving. This series of pieces is complex in detail yet warmly simple to the spirit’s eye and heart.
The Earth and Forest Series is a blended balance of Mother Earth’s gifts with a deftly presented natural simplicity.

The Wild Freedom Series restores the soul with a respectful understanding and appreciation of all that is free in nature. Delicate carving and natural plant and animal ornamentation adorn this series of fine art pieces.

The Native Life Series encompasses a broad diverse artistic display of native American emotion. Delicate simple beauty expressed with artistic carving, stone inlays and a remarkable creative use of dyes and color, best describe this series.

Candy Thomas’s expressive intent is to honor and portray the interdependence of nature with the lives and spirits of our ancestors. It is her hope and passion that we can feel our own connection with all that is free and at peace; with all that is natural to our own spiritual beings; adding to our appreciation and understanding of ourselves and our heritage’s connection to the wild, free, peaceful beauty in nature.