FAQs

How do you create your clay sculptures?

As a figurative sculptor, I sculpt from the live model. This is usually done in water-based clay. In order to make the piece, an armature is sometimes used. The piece must be hollowed to a certain thickness in order to be fired in the kiln. The piece is then dried, then fired in the kiln. 

I do not use molds to create multiple pieces of the same sculpture in clay. Each one is unique, sculpted from the model, sometimes in one session, other times in may sessions. 

Once the piece is fired, there are numerous ways to “finish” the piece. I have used oil paints, acrylic's, Mason stains, faux patina's (to make it look metallic like bronze). One of the favorite finishes involves the Raku process, which is briefly described below.

Your Raku work is so mysterious and beautiful…. can you tell me more?

Sculpt it in clay. Hollow it out. Fire it in the kiln to set the clay (known as a “Bisque” firing). Paint with Raku glazes. Some glazes produce a “Crackle” effect. The glaze cracks and smoke gets in the cracks. Some glazes have a metallic or luster finish (shiny), others have a matte or sand finish.

The pieces are fired again outdoors in a kiln, then are taken out of the kiln and placed in metal trash cans with combustible materials (everything from crumpled up newspapers to pine needles). Once ignited, “smoke” is created. The trash can lid then goes on. This stays covered for about 20 minutes for the sculpture to smoke and the glazes to “develop”.

Please note that where there is no glaze applied, the sculpture takes on the smoke color. This can be anywhere from a light gray to a jet black. 

It's always interesting to see what happens when we “open” the cans. You may use the same glaze on several different items and never get the same result. It can be affected by weather, temperature of the kiln, number of glaze coats you put on...

That's the beauty of Raku. It's always a surprise! 

Do you use traditional methods for your bronze sculptures?

This is a very intensive process. Once the piece is sculpted in either water-based or oil-based clay, molds need to be made; rubber, plastic, ceramic shell. I encourage you to look up the “lost-wax” method, which is the method most often used for figurative sculpture. People have been casting in bronze for centuries. It is very labor and material intensive. The look of a bronze piece is unmistakable and enduring. These can be cast a single piece or in multiples (like a limited edition).