Saudi sculptor shapes new worlds

Jeddah - Yasmine El Tohamy - RIYADH: Saudi sculptor Sara Sadiq uses clay to create custom-made, vibrant works of art that are also functional.

Sadiq specializes in creating handmade mugs with three-dimensional figures of animals, mythological creatures and people.

For her new collection, Sadiq is gifting mugs to inspirational Saudi women. “I’m currently devoting this time to creating a collection dedicated to Saudi women,” she said.

One of the first pieces in her “women’s empowerment” collection was given to Saudi painter Nouf Al-Jamea, who inspired Sadiq in her artistic journey.

“Art speaks and works to convey messages and feelings that a person may not be able to express (otherwise),” Sadiq said.

Motherhood opened new doors for Sadiq, allowing her to discover a passion and talent that she did not know she had: “After the birth of my daughter, I discovered that I had a sense for art, such as the art of decoupage and recycling … I was looking for something aesthetically pleasing to the eye.”

Social media platforms such as Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube introduced Sadiq to a range of tutorials — and inspiration.

“I was following the accounts of artists who used thermal clay and sculpture, and I was very amazed by their work, so I wondered to myself, ‘Why don’t I try something like this?’”

Sadiq visited the nearest stationary shop and bought refractory clay. “The result was beautiful. I saw people’s admiration … then I searched for sources that provided the best types of refractory clay since I knew how to use it and shape it and eventually start the project with it.”

She uses two types of refractory clay to sculpt accessories, statues and mugs, and then bakes them in an electric oven.

“There are designs that I took inspiration from others, but I tried to add my own touches … and some of them I created,” she said. “I also really liked the idea of animal designs, which I used to draw inspiration from pictures and drawings.

“I tried to adhere as much as possible to traditions in terms of sculpture, so that I do not deviate from the scope of our traditions and culture, and the model I present is acceptable in the environment in which we also live.”

Sadiq said that her next project will be a collection of designs that reflect Saudi culture and vision.

Her social media platforms continue to grow while she receives positive feedback from the local community.

“I am happy that (my) works have reached the Gulf countries, and my dream is to reach countries abroad,” she said.

Sadiq said that she has turned her dreams into reality by investing in her artistic energy. This was possible due to the “continuous encouragement from my relatives and their support, especially my dear sister, my first supporter, and also my children who are also the motivators that I am developing more in this field.”

Her advice to artists is to pay attention to their calling.

“In the end, I would like to advise everyone not to hesitate to invest in the creative and artistic energy within themselves,” she said. “I am a mother of two children and an employee, but I also give the (artistic) energy within me time and also try to develop it and leave a mark on society.”

To view Sadiq’s artwork, visit her Instagram @sara_prettyarts.