Does form follow function or does funtion follow form? I love working on gourds. The adaptation of the shape of the gourd to meaningful subject matter is always a challenge. I wanted use the shape of the gourd to add emphasis. I visualized this really off-shaped gourd as either an island or an inhabited asteroid. O.K. I already knew I was a space cadet - just check out my work! used acryllic paints and coated the finished product with a protective glaze.