Inspiration: Elizabeth Catlett

Attempting to expand my knowledge of art, I decided to read-up on one of my favorite artist, Elizabeth Catlett. She describes herself as ". . . black, a woman, a sculptor and a printmaker." Her work is phenomenal. I became aware of her as an undergraduate. While reading the book, Elizabeth Catlett: An American Artist in Mexico, by Melanie Anne Herzog, I realized Catlett was pivotal in my development as an artist. I was mesmerized by her style and command of her medium. I love what she says about technique. "Technique is so important! It is the difference between art and ineptitude. Because our audiences deserve the best, we must equip ourselves to give them the very best. You can't make a statement if you can't speak the language."

Workshop Follow-up

It has been a week since I taught my gourd jewelry workshop. For my first class, it went very well. It is important to be of service. And, what better way to service than to share your passion with others. Marian Wright Eelman said it best "Service is the rent we pay for living."

Gourd Growing Diary Update

My gourd plants have turned into vines. And, I have one white blossom with a pepo or baby gourd so far. I also got this book, Gourds in Your Garden, by Ginger Summit, which has been very helpful. I learned that:

1). Ornamental and luffa gourd plants bloom during the day and have yellow blossoms.

2). Hardshell gourds bloom at night and have white blossoms.

3). Blossoms of all the vines last only 24 hours.

4). The vines have both female and male blossoms.

Gourd Jewelry Creation

Brooch, Rosa, made of gourd and metal button. Measurements: 3 x 1 x 3 inches.

Brooch design by Sala Faruq. Photo by Sala Faruq. Copyright © 2010 by Sala Faruq. All rights reserved.

Before and After

This is one of the gourds I purchased at the Welburn Gourd Farm about a month ago (far left). It was so funky cool, I had to have it.

Here is one of the projects I made from the gourd. It is a necklace I call, Earthseed (left). To create the necklace, I cut off two of the "wings" and glued them together. Then, I filled in the gap between the two pieces with paperclay. I painted and sealed the "bead." Finally, I hung the "bead" from a nylon cord.

Necklace, Earthseed, made of gourd, paperclay, nylon cord, silver, acrylic paint and polycrylic sealant. Gourd bead: 4 x 2 3/8 x 1 inches.Cord: 39 inches.

Necklace design by Sala Faruq. Photos by Sala Faruq. Copyright © 2010 by Sala Faruq. All rights reserved.

Gourd Art Competition Awards

I entered several of my gourd creations in the 2010 California Gourd Society Gourd Art Competition. It was held in conjunction with the 14th Annual Gourd Art Festival held at the Welburn Gourd Farm, June 26th and 27th. And, I am delighted to say I received a First Place ribbon in the Wearable Gourd Accessory Category for my necklace design, Narcisco (left). I also received a Judge's Choice ribbon for the same necklace. In the Gilded Gourd Category, I received a First Place ribbon for my necklace design, Odetta (right).


Necklace, Narcisco, made of gourd, paperclay, brass, copper, metal leaf, vintage mother of pearl shoe button, beads, acrylic paint and polycrylic sealant. Pendant: 3 1/2 x 4 x 1 inches. Chain: 24 inches, 2010.

Necklace, Odetta, made of gourd, metal leaf, paperclay, brass, copper, black beaded chain, acrylic paint and polycrylic sealant. Gourd beads: 2 1/4 x 1 1/4 x 1 1/4 inches approximately. Chain: 18 inches, 2009.


Necklace designs by Sala Faruq. Photos by Sala Faruq. Copyright © 2009 and 2010 by Sala Faruq. All rights reserved.

Gourd Hunting I Go

I recently visited the Welburn Gourd Farm. And I can't tell you how deliciously wonderful it was searching through all the racks of gourds. There were jewel, maranka, bottle, canteen, zucca, snake, kettle, warty, dipper, and more, oh my!