Beautiful figurative sculptures

 

Waiting to bisque

I put together some pieces of clay, and then modeled a head, then added more clay, and this is the result.

At least having been created.

The inspiration was a willow tree in the wind. I'm really disappointed in the actual sculpture. I was picking it up to throw it in the trash when someone said they really liked and admired it. OK, so maybe it says something to a viewer. Maybe not what I started with. I know it's taking forever to get it bisqued, because it's very fragile and tall. The studio manager prefers mugs to load, can you blame him?

Third generation

 Last semester my sophomore in highschool granddaughter made this. I shared it before it had been fired, but at last I got a photo of it. I love her whimsical style!

Another form, which I didn't see in person, but I love the color variety as well as the twisted form.

She's a guide for deciding which way to go forward

Hecate, the goddess of the crossroads from ancient times of Greek mythology...see this link for more information about her.

"Hecate, Greek goddess of the three paths, guardian of the household, protector of everything newly born, and the goddess of witchcraft -- once a widely revered and influential goddess,  the reputation of Hecate has been tarnished over the centuries. In current times, she is usually depicted as a "hag" or old witch stirring the cauldron.
"But nothing could be further from the image of Hecate's original glory.
"A beautiful and powerful goddess in her own right, the Greek goddess Hecate was the only one of the ancient Titans who Zeus allowed to retain their authority once the Olympians seized control. Zeus shared with Hecate, and only her, the awesome power of giving humanity anything she wished (or withholding it if she pleased).
"In other legends she is invisible, perhaps only glimpsed as a light, a "will-o-the-wisp".  Perhaps it was this luminous quality that marked Hecate as a "moon goddess", for she seemed quite at home on the earth. 

Cat and Dog figures

 A little dog angel.

 A little cat that's not an angel.

- definitely one with whiskers!

Dragon again!

 Let's start with the tail...

And then come around the side of this little dragon.

 Her head is very difficult to photograph for some reason. 

She's waiting for a new home, where her sweet horsey face will be adored!

My sculpture of Aphrodite for Beltane celebration of the Divine Feminine

Beauty from the waters, the ocean of Aphrodite, the rivers streams and lakes for Oshun.

Some beautiful women gathered to celebrate the Beltane festival of the beginning of May here in Black Mountain.  And we danced, and leaped a small bonfire, (indoor style in a cauldron) and sang songs, and made up our own rhythms while we worked on a flower mandala (a variation of a Peruvian Despacho.)

We had fun! But the ritual was a sacred dance so photos will not be posted of the participants.

we did each wear a crown of flowers!

The almost finished Mandala of flowers, sweets (that's the candy) and various herbs.

Thanks so much for the great sharing of skills and ideas, and participation of everyone in their chosen activities!

 The unfinished version of Aphrodite went to the ritual on Sunday.  She was glazed on Monday, so will go in the kiln sometime this week.

Here are a couple of shots as glaze was being applied. The whole reason for glaze being applied, is to hopefully diminish a crack in the base over on the side behind her foot.  So fingers and toes are crossed.  I usually prefer to just use a thin black stain to highlight the play of light on forms.

I added some white highlights to the waves as she rises from the ocean, and to her hair, so hopefully it won't been such dark brown.  The sand is Nutmeg colored, which will possibly hide the crack.  But even then, being sculptural, there's lots that can be done with acrylics...oh no, did I say that out loud!