Sarraf (Seh-rahf) OOAK 18" Polymer Faerie on Wire Armature
This faerie is fascinating. She evolved in her own way, and it wasn't until I put the final touches on her that I realized what her name is- who she is- and the greatness she represents.
The name just popped into my mind suddenly, and immediately I realized that it actually carries much significance and meaning. This doll definitely has an animated soul. There is something deeply special about her.
To begin with, Sarraf's head was accidentally burned in the oven. It was quite a disaster. Nevertheless, something inside of me made me feel that I must repair the damage, and not give up on her. I wasn't sure why, but it became somewhat of an obsession.
The burn was very bad. Read about it and see pictures here and here.
Sarraf's garments were by created by draping. I used bits of hand-dyed silk and a net-like scarf I bought in a souk in Jerusalem. (souk, pronounced shook, is an open market). I happened to have gone to Jerusalem on appointment, and found the scarf while making my way.
The silk was dyed with Jacquard's Dye-na-flow paint, and was actually a gift from one of my students! Using a candle, I burned holes in the silk and along the edges, to created a 'faerie look.' It seems that everything about her just "came together" in the right place, at the right time.
Sarraf holds her baby in her arms.
The baby is nestled in a tree pod, which holds "faerie pearls." The precious baby sleeps comfortably on the pearls.
Next time you find a pod while wandering, look carefully inside.
Are those seeds? Or faerie pearls?
What's in a Name?
The name Sarraf carries several meanings for me, and evokes different emotions. First of all, she reminds me of the matriarch Sarah. She was very old, yet exceedingly beautiful. She was a kind, gentle and most importantly, an extraordinarily righteous woman. She remained childless until over the age of 90. G.od performed a miracle for her and opened her womb at this impossible age.
Sarraf also reminds me of the name Sarah + 'F' for faerie. I am not comparing the Matriarch Sarah to a faerie- she was definitely a human being (a very holy human being!) This doll is a faerie- a very, very good one. Can you see the warm, loving expression on her face? I imagine Sarah always looked that way- like a doll who never changes! Always calm and loving. Now that's something I would aspire to...
Sarraf is also the root of a Hebrew word. It means 'burn.' Despite the fact that this doll was so badly burned, she was rejuvanated. Her face now looks old because of the repeated curing cycles in the oven. But her striking beauty is retained. What a powerful lesson this is to me- it reminds me to think positive and to always remember to look ahead- not behind. It also helps me realize that when life's little rough spots are at play, remaining good and true will bring about the fruit of reward.
Finally, In Hebrew there is a word for a certain kind of angel, like a cherub. These angels would guard the Holy Ark in the Tabernacle. The name of this angel was called "Serraph." I spelled the doll's name differently because I want it to look like Sarah's name... but the sound is the same. Again, she is not a holy angel, and I would not try to sculpt one. Nevertheless, my doll personifies those qualities- the good qualities that each person possesses. If only we could all act upon them at all times- what a wonderful place the world would be.
This faerie reminds me of that, and renews my hope each time I look at her. It is my wish that she do the same for you.
