Sculpture
Most of my sculpture pieces are inspired by things that I see in nature. In addition, I am inspired by human expression and how it combines with nature and movement. While these pieces may be the shape of functional ware, many of them are created for decorative purposes only.
I usually start with a slump or hump mold and extruded coiled clay. I use special sculpture clay which contains a lot of grog (sand-like material). This clay tends to be heavier than the other clays that I use and needs to dry very slowly and evenly.
One of my favorite methods is to use coils to create movement in the clay body. I start with primary decorative pieces like a flower or leaves or a face made from clay. Coiled clay is then formed around those pieces until the entire mold has been filled. Once all the coils have been set, I then press them together by running my fingers between them pressing the clay coils together. I prefer to get rid of the rigid coil look but try to keep the movement the coils have created. I can easily change the direction and pattern of the clay when using this method. I use this same effect on both sides of the piece being careful not to compress the clay too much on either side. I think it is important for both the inside and outside of the piece to have a similar feel.
Another method I use is to throw a lump of clay on the wheel just like a piece of stoneware. I keep the wall thicker than usual so that I can form the clay by hand once it is between the thrown and leather hard stages. Once the piece has reached this stage, I will hand draw a face or figure on to the piece. I then push and pull the clay with my hands on both the inside and outside to create the form that I am looking for. The clay is so pliable at this point that it is easy to add or take away additional clay creating a figure, face or sculptural form.
My most recent sculptures are mostly figures of women. I love the elongated look and creating facial expressions and/or body attitude. I have really enjoyed sculpting these pieces and have a village of about 20 pieces at this time, of which I have not sold any yet.....not because I don't think they will sell, but because I have become attached to them like family. So please enjoy these pieces on my web site for now! My village is growing!
Once the sculpture piece is ready, it is dried slowly, sometime for weeks! Because of the possibility of cracking, drying the piece evenly and carefully is very important. Once the piece is dried, it is bisque fired to around 1800°F. At this time, I use different stains and glazes based on the texture of the piece. Many times I use a stain and do not cover it with a glaze. In addition, I have also left portions unglazed so that they can be painted with acrylic or specialty paints after the final firing. The second firing is to approximately 2267°F for about 14 hours and then cooled until the kiln reaches 100 degrees. Any additional painting is done at this time and is sealed with a ceramic-type sealer.
Sculpture work can be very time consuming yet is extremely rewarding when the piece is completed. It gives me great satisfaction to create something that was only an image in my mind and is now something that I can share with others.
I usually start with a slump or hump mold and extruded coiled clay. I use special sculpture clay which contains a lot of grog (sand-like material). This clay tends to be heavier than the other clays that I use and needs to dry very slowly and evenly.
One of my favorite methods is to use coils to create movement in the clay body. I start with primary decorative pieces like a flower or leaves or a face made from clay. Coiled clay is then formed around those pieces until the entire mold has been filled. Once all the coils have been set, I then press them together by running my fingers between them pressing the clay coils together. I prefer to get rid of the rigid coil look but try to keep the movement the coils have created. I can easily change the direction and pattern of the clay when using this method. I use this same effect on both sides of the piece being careful not to compress the clay too much on either side. I think it is important for both the inside and outside of the piece to have a similar feel.
Another method I use is to throw a lump of clay on the wheel just like a piece of stoneware. I keep the wall thicker than usual so that I can form the clay by hand once it is between the thrown and leather hard stages. Once the piece has reached this stage, I will hand draw a face or figure on to the piece. I then push and pull the clay with my hands on both the inside and outside to create the form that I am looking for. The clay is so pliable at this point that it is easy to add or take away additional clay creating a figure, face or sculptural form.
My most recent sculptures are mostly figures of women. I love the elongated look and creating facial expressions and/or body attitude. I have really enjoyed sculpting these pieces and have a village of about 20 pieces at this time, of which I have not sold any yet.....not because I don't think they will sell, but because I have become attached to them like family. So please enjoy these pieces on my web site for now! My village is growing!
Once the sculpture piece is ready, it is dried slowly, sometime for weeks! Because of the possibility of cracking, drying the piece evenly and carefully is very important. Once the piece is dried, it is bisque fired to around 1800°F. At this time, I use different stains and glazes based on the texture of the piece. Many times I use a stain and do not cover it with a glaze. In addition, I have also left portions unglazed so that they can be painted with acrylic or specialty paints after the final firing. The second firing is to approximately 2267°F for about 14 hours and then cooled until the kiln reaches 100 degrees. Any additional painting is done at this time and is sealed with a ceramic-type sealer.
Sculpture work can be very time consuming yet is extremely rewarding when the piece is completed. It gives me great satisfaction to create something that was only an image in my mind and is now something that I can share with others.