Gourd Jewelry Creation

Ring, Day of the Dead I, made of gourd, paperclay and rhinestones. Measurements: 1 7/8 x 1 1/2 x 1 inches.

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

Gourd Jewelry Creation

Ring, First Wave, made of gourd. Measurements: 2 x 3 x 7/8 inches.

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

Gourd Growing Diary

I am sad to say my attempt at growing gourds was unsuccessful. I had four plants. Two of the plants never bore any flowers or pepos (baby gourds). One bore flowers only. And, one bore flowers and pepos. The pepos died off within days of their development. I believe the plants did not do well primarily because of a lack of sun. I get less than two hours of sun per day on my patio. Then, my plants were plagued with powdery mildew even though I treated them with organic fungicide.

Gourds, Banjos & Clocks

How is a gourd, a banjo and a clock related? To find the answer, go to my wall post dated August 18, 2010 (11:32 am) on Wells Fargo History Museums' Facebook page.

Gourd Jewelry Creation

Brooch, Sergio, made of gourd, paperclay and metal leaf. Measurements: 3 x 4 x 1 1/8 inches.

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

Thrift Store Find

I thought it would be nice to partake of the spirit of the gourd by preparing a gourd dish for the attendees of my next gourd jewelry workshop. I went online and found several recipes. The pointed gourd with potato recipe resonated with me. I found all of the ingredients except the pointed gourd. I did find a bitter gourd though. Really, how bitter could it be? Well, it was quite bitter. I had to scrap that dish. Since I have time before my next workshop, I continue my quest for the pointed gourd.

What does all this have to do with a thrift store find you ask? Well, as I was looking around the thrift store the other day a tea set caught my eye. The design of the teapot and two cups looked like the bitter gourd (see photo to left). You know I had to have the set.

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."