Artwork copyright Sal Guastella. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2016.

Hierba Mojada (wet grass), 1991

Sal Guastella
American (born 1950)

Location: Dearborn Park International Elementary School, Seattle

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

This artwork by Sal Guastella was inspired by Panamanian songwriter Ruben Blades' song "Hierba Mojada", which translates to "wet grass". Hearing the song as an adult, Guastella was vividly reminded how: "as a kid I would wake up early in the morning and walk outside on the wet grass... everything seemed to come alive. Birds were flying about and singing, toads were hopping around everywhere. Overnight, some mushrooms had sprung up around the yard and as I looked around, I saw a snake slither across the "wet grass" and disappear into the bushes." Guastillo's Hierba Mojada (wet grass) is a layered construction of cardboard, wood, paint, and other materials that shows a scene of vibrantly colored plants, animals, and patterns.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with .

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Florida-based artist Sal Guastella creates three-dimensional constructions out of cardboard, wood, paint, and other materials. He uses a colorful and cartoonish style, and often includes animals in his artworks. Guastella was born in Havana, Cuba, and came to the U.S. at age nine. In 1978, he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Florida International University and went on to work in advertising, illustration, and sign painting. Through his art, he fulfills “a need to express my feelings, either in a positive or negative visual manner.”