Feathers Flying
Ancient mummies were the inspiration for these pieces. I started out making the cat sculpture in the third photo. Later I decided I could make these into jars and they'd be functional as well as sculptural.
These first two are about 17 inches tall. Each lid has a deep stopper that slides into the jar. In the past I've made the stopper too small and lids tended to slide off the jars. I plan to fire the heads separately because the lid isn't strong to hold the head before firing. I'll glue the heads on after firing. Any ideas about the type of glue to use? I've used two part epoxy before but would like to know of something tried and true if you have any suggestions.
Dog Patch
This one is supposed to be a dog but from the front it's hard to say just what the creature is.
Crisscross Cat
This one is about 13 inches tall and almost got away from me but I decided to save it. You wouldn't believe how many pieces I've crumpled up lately. The crisscrosses got kind of wonky at the bottom. I wanted to fire this with the
obvara firing technique but I think I better order some raku clay and make future ones with a clay more resistant to thermal shock. Now I have no idea how to glaze this piece. Maybe a yellow cat. These animals look too happy to be spirits. But maybe spirits are always happy. Thanks for reading and for all your comments.
Wow, nice work. I just got commissioned to make 3 pet urns for an acquaintance. Very inspiring.
ReplyDeleteThose are fantastic! Yep, the dog looks almost like a cat, tee hee. But your cat is most lovely! You've got a really good idea going there.
ReplyDeleteHi Christine, thanks, I was thinking about pet urns also when I was make these because the cat looks a bit like my Binky that died not too long ago.
ReplyDeleteHi Barb, thanks, Gary said the dog looked like a cat too, I think the ears are too low on the side of the head but sideways it looks like a dog. oh well, I have another one with droopy ears that may look more like a dog, practice makes perfect.
Those are really cool. I have used E6000 to glue pendants and bales, not sure how it would work on a larger piece.
ReplyDeleteHi Michele, thanks, I hope they all turn out, now I am wondering how to glaze them so many decisions. I just found an old jar on pinterest that deals with the lid in a different manner where the stopper is incorporated into the jar eliminating the need for glue I may try that on the next ones I make to see how it works out.
ReplyDeleteCute jars!
ReplyDeleteYou have a great imagination!
Hi Gigi, thanks, that's one of the things I like about clay it's unlimited what you can do with it.
ReplyDeleteI've had great luck with e6000 also but you might want to try mixing some white glue with glaze and firing the heads in place with the glue/glaze holding them together, you'll get a more seamless attachment that way.
ReplyDeleteHi Lori, thanks, well that's a good idea although I once glazed something in place and it slid off, but I may be able to fire separately then glaze fire together. It would look more seamless that's for sure.
ReplyDeleteHi Linda,
ReplyDeleteI've used both gorilla epoxy and liquid nails on pieces after they were glazed and fired. Had to use it on some of my clay books.
Hi Rian, thanks, I've used that gorilla glue before on my hanging tiles but had one attachment fail. I've used liquid nails in construction but not on pottery; we shall see.
ReplyDelete