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Alkonost - Fabled Creature of Russian Folklore

Details: Category: Sculptures; Published: 16 October 2019

The Alkonost is, according to Russian mythos and folklore, a woman-headed bird. It makes amazingly beautiful sounds, and those who hear their sounds forget everything they know and want nothing more ever again. There is a scene in the Russian classic film: Sadko (1953), where the titular hero seeks a magical bird of happiness which actually turns out to be an Alkonost. I based her colors on the paradise kingfisher since the name of the Alkonost came from Alcyone, a Greek demigoddess who was transformed by the gods into a kingfisher. This is my third piece based on Russian folklore including Baba Yaga and Gorynych.

BTW: My original design of the Alkonost had her with extended wings, but I accidentally knocked her over and completely broke them beyond repair. What kept me from abandoning the entire piece was that her intricate tail somehow miraculously was mostly unscathed. Any repair work needed to be done quickly as she was fairly dry, so I gave her folded wings. I hadn't given it much further thought until a Russian colleague on Instagram pointed out that the new wings were actually an improvement as the previously extended wings resembled the long sleeves of traditional "sad" shirts worn by women for certain festivities. As my Russian colleague observed, "It's as if Alkonost made the necessary adjustments herself!" (Scroll down below for a comparison) My thanks again to the Ceramic Art Studio and Shop.

Alkonost

I applied some kintsugi-esque gold paint to address a small crack on her left waist (and added it to her right side for balance).

Alkonost

Wet clay model (Final version)

Alkonost

Traditional Russian shirt (circa 18th century) and original Alkonost design with extended wings.

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Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Details: Category: Sculptures; Published: 13 October 2019

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a cattle herding dog breed which originated in Pembrokeshire, Wales. Popularized by Queen Elizabeth II who bred them for over 30 years, Corgis are affectionate, loyal, and cute as hell. My favorite Corgi is Ein the data dog from Cowboy Bebop. This is my fifth canine: Tuco (Chihuahua), Howling Wolf, Sitting Wolf, Moro's Cub from Princess Mononoke, and sixth if you also count the Werewolf and Falkor the luck dragon who obviously is a dog dragon! My thanks again to the Ceramic Art Studio and Shop.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Wet clay model

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Artemis (Diana) Goddess of the Hunt

Details: Category: Sculptures; Published: 08 October 2019

Artemis (Roman: Diana) was the Greek goddess of the hunt, wilderness, wild animals, the moon, and chastity. She along with Athena (my other work), were two famously virgin goddesses renowned for both their beauty and martial skills. Artemis was also the twin older sister of Apollo (my other work), and both were experts with the bow and arrow and are credited with the origins of archery. I based Artemis' pose on a photo of a stone age huntress by Reine-Haru and photographed by Ron Tencati. My thanks again to the Ceramic Art Studio and Shop.

Artemis Diana

Compare this photo with its inspirational source.

Artemis Diana

Wet clay model

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More Siberian Chipmunks

Details: Category: Sculptures; Published: 05 October 2019

A few more Siberian chipmunks (Eutamias sibiricus) based on the unexpected popularity of my Siberian Chipmunk diffuser. The three chipmunks represent different phases of adult life: 1) The standing chipmunk represents the youthful period when one is looking beyond the horizon for what the future may bring, 2) The sitting chipmunk is in early adulthood when one is simply feasting on life's joys, and 3) The last chipmunk, mature and aware of life's uncertainties is busy squirreling away for the future. My thanks again to the Ceramic Art Studio and Shop.

Chipmunk Trio