RIYADH: Saudi sculptor Sara Sadiq uses clay to create bespoke, vibrant and functional works of art.
Sadiq specializes in creating handmade mugs with three-dimensional figures of animals, mythological creatures and people.
For its new collection, Sadiq offers mugs to inspiring Saudi women. “I am currently dedicating this time to creating a collection dedicated to Saudi women,” she said.
One of the first pieces from her “women’s empowerment” collection was gifted 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 might not be able to express (otherwise),” Sadiq said.
Motherhood opened new doors for Sadiq, allowing her to discover a passion and talent she didn’t know she had: “After the birth of my daughter, I discovered that I had a sense for art, like The art of cutting and recycling… I was looking for something aesthetic and pleasant to look at.
Social media platforms such as Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube have presented Sadiq with a range of tutorials and inspiration.
“I was following stories of artists using thermal clay and sculpture, and I was very amazed by their work, so I asked myself, ‘Why don’t I try something like that?’ »
Sadiq went to the nearest stationery store and bought some fireclay. “The result was magnificent. I saw people’s admiration…then I looked for sources that provided the best types of fireclay since I knew how to use and shape it and ultimately start the project with it.
She uses two types of fireclay to sculpt accessories, statues and mugs, then fires them in an electric kiln.
“There are some designs that I took inspiration from others, but I tried to add my own touches to them…and I created some of them,” she said. “I also really liked the idea of animal drawings, which I used to inspire images and drawings.
“I tried to adhere as much as possible to traditions in terms of sculpture, so as not to deviate from the framework of our traditions and culture, and the model that I present is acceptable in the environment in which we let’s live as well.”
Sadiq said his next project will be a collection of designs that reflect Saudi culture and vision.
Her social media platforms continue to grow as 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 she turned her dreams into reality by investing in her artistic energy. This was possible thanks to “the continuous encouragement of my loved ones and their support, in particular from my dear sister, my first supporter, and also from my children who are also the motivators that I develop further in this area”.
His advice to artists is to pay attention to their vocation.
“Ultimately, I would like to advise everyone not to hesitate to invest in creative and artistic energy within themselves,” she said. “I am a mother of two children and an employee, but I also give time to the (artistic) energy that is in me and I also try to develop it and leave a mark in society.”
To view Sadiq’s artwork, visit her Instagram @sara_prettyarts.
