Helen LaFrance Folk Art Painted Gourd

Helen LaFrance (American/Kentucky, 1919-2020) painted gourd decorated with blue and white flowers on a blue ground. Signed, "Helen LaFrance," at base. 10" H x 9 1/2" dia. Biography: "Self-taught African American artist Helen LaFrance was born on a Kentucky farm and began painting in her 40s. She is known for her "memory paintings" drawn from her recollections of life growing up in the rural South. Several museums and private collectors, including Oprah Winfrey, own examples of her work." (Source: "Helen LaFrance Folk Art Memories" by Kathy Moses). Helen LaFrance died November 22, 2020 in a Mayfield, Kentucky nursing home at the age of 101. Provenance: Private Kentucky collection, purchased from LaFrance Art Gallery, Mayfield, KY.
Condition Report: Overall good condition with some fading of the paint at the base, slight residue on the underside and defects/edges in the varnish apparent at the base and around some flowers.