JCCFS: How did you first come to working with gourds as an art form?

TS: In 2016, a year after completing my MFA in Theater Arts, I discovered my love and talent for gourd art. After much prayer and meditation for guidance, I decided to pursue it. Since then, I have experimented with various techniques including pyrography, carving and lamp making. Through consistent and dedicated time with my gourds, I have come up with several patterns, designs and techniques. I also set up my business, Gourds By Fafa, where I make and sell gourds, teach and vend. I have sold my work at the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art in, DC, The REACH at Kennedy Center, DC, Baltimore’s 32nd Street Farmers Market and online at gourdsbyfafa.com. My work is displayed and sold at The Barn, a gallery at Wellspring Manor in Maryland. I was Artist in Residence at Baltimore County Public Library, MD where I made, exhibited my work, and taught children and adult classes. I have also taught classes at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts. I have participated and sold my work at the NC Gourd Society’s Annual Gourd Show where I won several blue ribbons. I love sharing my story and art through teaching with people of all skill levels and backgrounds, because I started without any formal training and the artwork has been so good to me. Each piece I make takes me on a unique journey, and I hope to help every student discover their own.

JCCFS: Tell us a bit more about your upcoming class.

TS: There is something intimate that happens to an artist and their gourd. In this class, I hope to help participants discover their own intimacy and go on their own adventurous journey with their gourds. We will cover cutting, cleaning, and preparing the gourd for crafting. Then we’ll cover how to dye and seal a gourd, followed by wood burning or pyrography and relief carving. These techniques can be used on their own or together to create stunning pieces.

JCCFS: What can students expect to leave class with?

TS: Students will leave the class with 2-3 finished pieces and a set of skills that will allow them to make their own gourd projects. Being a “self taught” artist, I have come to understand that there is no need to take myself too seriously. All skill levels are welcome and every “mistake” adds to the design and uniqueness of your piece. I am an authentically Ghanaian, peace- and fun-loving person. I look forward to bringing all of me and hope you do the same too and we’ll have a blast!

JCCFS: What do you enjoy most about teaching?

TS: I enjoy seeing students who have no art or gourd art experience start my class with doubts but slowly let all cares go, discovering their own love and journey with the art form. I also love seeing experienced artists pick up a gourd in my class, pull from their resources, and let their imagination go. A tradition I started while teaching at Arrowmont is to hold a graduation ceremony at the end of the week. I look forward to it!

JCCFS: What originally attracted you to the Folk School?

TS: The first thing that attracted me to Folk School is the gorgeous landscape. In the photos, it seems so beautiful and peaceful. I look forward to being on campus surrounded by nature while making art with gourds that grow right from nature! When I told my artist friend I would be teaching at Folk School, she mentioned what an honor that was, given Folk School’s history and heritage, which has gotten me more excited for my spring 2025 class!

JCCFS: Where do you usually draw inspiration from for your work?

TS: I draw inspiration from my heritage as a Ghanaian; the needs of my patrons, be it peace or energy; and also from a community of people making art in the serene surroundings of nature, so the Folk School will be a perfect environment for my students and I.

JCCFS: What’s one piece you’ve made recently that you’re especially proud of?

TS: Recently I made a large vase titled Michael’s Vase. It features the Kente cloth in pastel colors all around, with three white feathers carved into the front of the vase and more carvings around the vase. This was a large project in which I used all the techniques I will be teaching at Folk School to create with gourds. The project challenged me to take my my experience in gourd carving farther than I ever did in terms of imagination and detail. It also challenged me to mix and use the dyes in ways I hadn’t done before and the end result is beautiful.

JCCFS: What tips would you give an aspiring craftsperson?

TS: Every piece you make has its person, admirer, or patron. The thing you may count as a mistake may be the very mark that attracts the person who may acquire it from you. It always works out. Learn the basics, set yourself free in your imagination and make gourds!

JCCFS: Where can folks find you online?

TS:  My website is gourdsbyfafa.com Instagram:@gourdsbyfafa Facebook: @gourdsbyfafa (Gourds By Fafa)