Much to my delight, I found an unexpected gift on my shelf --- a batch of clay from Max. He's been doing some tests with clay dug from his family's homestead. And now I can too. The clay was soft...groggy...filled with tiny pieces of harder clay and tiny pebbles. Gnarly stuff. Perfect for parietal pieces. So the first order of my day was to craft a wee bottle from McLeod Clay. I have no idea where I'll take it from here. Yet. But the canvas is prepped and the cave art will come. Thank you, Max, for sharing the clay!
Many of my potter friends were at the studio today, including Amy, Cindy, Dorothy, Ju Ian, Susan, John and Elaine. The work of others is a constant source of inspiration for me.
Elaine's big pots, coiled and lovingly smoothed, have always impressed me. She's been urging me for quite some time to make a bigger bird. Last week Ron suggested I do the same. And today, another studio artist, Scott, said "You need to make a your birds B-I-G." Okay. Three's the charm. So, after modeling 8 more of my usual porcelain flock, I gave BIG a try.
This fella isn't finished yet. Normally I'd sketch him out, view lots of photos, before attempting to create him. But I was feeling adventurous. And, having tried to rescue a Canada Goose last week (to no avail as the poor bird died during surgery) I was feeling emotionally close to the subject. Though he needs a lot more work, he is -at this stage- the biggest bird I've ever made. For reference, here he is with one of my usual bitty birds. Big difference.
His neck's too long, his tail feathers are too small and he doesn't have wing definition yet. But he's been a great exercise in going big. And however he ends up, I'll finish him as a testament to the real-life Canada Goose that was his inspiration.
All in all, it was a great day at Clayworks! 50% of my time spent in my comfort zone --- 50% spent experimenting. The latter is what made the day.
9 comments:
Your new BIG bird is very nice - I like his long neck - he's just trying to get comfortable, that's all. xxxoooo
yeah! it was fun.... I think there are more things that are better about the big bird then what you don't like about it.
Oh I can't wait to see how your parietal piece comes out with Max's clay, I saw his fired and it is really nice clay.
Elaine's pot is beautifully smooth.
So sorry the Canada goose died, this one in his memory you are making is wonderful. I like the smooth, clean lines of him. Do you hollow it out as you go or after you build it?
I think you should make more big birds too and perhaps some medium ones - then you can display them all together - what a display that would be. The little one you have perched there is just beautiful.
It was nice to see everyone in the studio yesterday. Unfortunately it doesn't always work out that way.
You are a VERY talented artist and that goose is AMAZING. It was amazing from the time you were making the very first rough forms. The shapes were all there right from the beginning. Wonderful work my friend.
Thanks all for the nice comments on the big bird. They've insoired me to work on him some more tonight. We'll see if I can execute the picture I have in my mind with the inexperience of my fingers. (Always a challenge)
Linda, I pieced his body together with two oval forms, rolled his neck from a long thin slab and pinched out his head. So he was pretty much hollow every step of the way. That's rather a new process for me and I have a ways to go before I get comfy with it.
I, too, am excited about doing a parietal piece with Max's clay. It fires in so many different ways.
Just back and off to the studio. You are most welcome for the little bit of clay. great "big bird".
Got beach stuff for the next barrel fire.
Hi Becky, Thanks for your visit to my site, it was really nice to hear from you.
I've left a comment for you on mine.
I'm impressed with your Canada Goose. Your rescue attempt of a Canada Goose that inspired you to make one in clay as a memorial reminded me of an attempt that we made years ago to rescue a black swan that had a badly broken foot. I carried the swan home under my arm with it wrapped up in my coat. Black swans are large birds, and heavy, and it was a huge relief to get it to our place in one piece. I was amazed at the way the bird went from being wild, fearful, and aggressive, to trusting and calm by the time we got it home. We had a little bit of a stream for it to swim in, but, sadly the bird died at the vet. Like you, I ended up doing something creative. In my case, I painted an abstract painting (It was before I started working with clay).
I think it's a beautiful piece of work Beck
Max, still contemplating what I want to do with the bottle made from the McLeod Clay. I want to do the clay body justice so am feeling a wee bit nervous. So glad to know you brought back SEAWEED!!!!
Peter -- I very much enjoy your blog. And thank you for commenting on mine. So sorry to hear about the loss of the black swan you carried home. I'd like to see what you painted in memory of it. Interesting isn't it? The desire to pay tribute to lives we have touched? And the desire to pay tribute to the lives who have touched us?
I'm thinking there's a black swan swimming in that little bit of stream near your house.
Doug --- hello! So glad to hear from you! I think the goose might be Spratt fodder. :)
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