Post Trunk Show

The trunk show went well (see my table set-up to the left). I sold several jewelry pieces. A number of people signed my guest register and/or took my business card. And, I got to be in a beautiful environment with positive people.

Gourd Jewelry Creation

Necklace, Sasha, made of gourd, pearls, cooper, and brass. Chain: 24 inches. Pendant: 3 x 1 3/4 x 3 inches. 2009.

Necklace design by Sala Faruq. Photo by Sala Faruq. Copyright © 2009 by Sala Faruq. All rights reserved.

SNAG Membership

I just became a member of the Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG). Why SNAG?

Well, I have subscribed to a number of art/jewelry magazines over the years including SNAG's Metalsmith magazine. Metalsmith is the one magazine that keeps me coming back. It is inspirational, innovative and filled with stunning images of exceptional works. So, when I received a magazine subscription renewal form in the mail with a great deal on membership I had to go for it.

Gourd Trivia

Did you know . . .

1. The gourd was used as the official currency of Haiti in the early 1800s. Even today, the standard coin of Haiti is called a gourde.

2. Gourds are used as a source of food in many cultures including India, Thailand and Asia.

3. The ancient Hawaiians had over 40 uses for the gourd.

4. The Fulani people of West Africa have at least 20 different terms referring to the size and use of the gourd.

5. The gourd is used as metaphor for the Big Dipper, a constellation that points the way North. The song, Follow the Drinking Gourd, was created by enslaved African Americans. The lyrics were coded directions explaining how and when to escape from the southern slave states to the North.

With Sincerest Gratitude . . .

This year would not have been possible without the support and encouragement from so many people. With sincerest gratitude, I want to thank the following:

Allyson G., Billie V., Candelaria S., Casey G., Daniella A., My Facebook Fan Page Fans, Jimmy L., Juanita D., Kay B., Keita, Lisa C., Lost Cities Beads and Staff, Maurice, Michael W., Opium Gallery and Staff, Paul T., Rosa Maria D., Sally, The Shepherdess Bead Store and Staff, Suleiman A., Tanis S., The Urban Seed and Staff, Vichai S., Welburn Gourd Farm and William W.

Gourd Recipes

In a number of cultures, gourds are consumed as a source of food. I have wondered how gourds are prepared for eating until I came across these two recipes.

Gourd Cool

Gourds are a marvel. They grow in an array of shapes, sizes and textures. Here is a wonderful photo of snake gourds. How cool and amazing!

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kwalbolt/ / CC BY 2.0

Welburn Gourd Farm Blog Features My Art

My gourd vessel creation, Nina (teapot) is featured on the Welburn Gourd Farm Blog. Check me out. You can find my work about mid-page.

Gourd Jewelry Trunk Show

I am showcasing my distinctive gourd jewelry collection at an EXCLUSIVE TRUNK SHOW for one day only! Get 10 percent off selected items. Enter to win one of two $5.00 Gift Certificates. Also, a percentage of the proceeds will go to a charity of my choice.

Please stop by and bring your friends to Opium Gallery at 425 Market Street, San Diego, CA 92101 on Saturday, December 12, 2009 from 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm.

Gourd Figure Creation

Figure, Little Spirit Head I, made of gourd, wood and feathers. Measurements: 13 x 12 x 12 inches. 2004.

In a previous blog post, I wrote about playing an Africanism forward. My figure, Little Spirit Head I, is another example of playing an Africanism forward. The figure is my rendition of a Yoruba custom of making small votive images for Eshu (also called Elegbara or Legba).

Eshu is spirit or deity (sometimes called an Orisha). He represents the crossroads. He offers the potenial for change, of choice.

Figure creation by Sala Faruq. Photo by Sala Faruq. Copyright © 2004 and 2009 by Sala Faruq. All rights reserved.