My sculptures are made using various techniques and are hollow built.
I use Earthstone Handbuilding clay and use coils, slabs and pinch pots to build the sculpture depending on the shape required. During the build texture is added. All sorts of tools and items can be used to create texture. Seeing the animal come to life is the best part.
Once completed the sculpture is left to dry for a couple of days before colouring using underglazes, oxides and stains. It is then left to dry slowly which can take up to 2 weeks. When it is completely dry the sculpture is bisque fired to 1,030c in my electric kiln. This takes approximately 8 hours.
After this stage more colouring can be added and some parts such as the eyes are glazed.
The piece is then high fired to 1,230c. Patience is needed here to wait for the kiln to cool down before opening. This takes over 30 hours and I always hold my breath when opening, hoping that everything turns out as expected. If necessary, it is still possible to adjust the colours and fire the piece for a third time but, thankfully, I hardly ever need to do this.
All sculptures are frostproof.
