In the Studio: New direction

The cold dark days are here. I like Fall and Winter, especially if there is snow, but unheated garage studios are problematic this time of year. Clay is unpleasant to work with when it’s 40 degrees, or less.

I’ve moved some of my clay inside to keep it at a tolerable temperature. I’ve also begun a new series, working with the figure.

Storms are less inspiration during the colder months, and I’ve always wanted to work with the figure. This will be my first serious attempt to incorporate it into my work.

The process at this point is pretty much the same. Starting with a block of clay, hollowing it out some, carving. The intent will be to mount it in and on a sculpted piece of wood like the storms on their prairies. In this case the wood will be more dynamic. I hope to finish these clay pieces with a combination of smoke, inlaid stones and gold leaf. The golf leaf is something I’ve wanted to try for a while now as well.

In my mind, this series will speak of how humans are related to the earth and show how beautiful natural materials can be (hopefully!).