Seahorse

 

Seahorses are small marine fish in the genus Hippocampus, named so for the superficial resemblance of their head and neck areas to horses. There are 45 different species of seahorses, ranging in size from less than an inch to over one feet in length. Many seahorses have specialized skin that allows them to camouflage themselves in color and texture with their background. Perhaps the most popular "fun" fact about them is that seahorse males carry the young through pregnancy and birth. The eggs are deposited by the female into the brood pouch of the males where they gestate from 2 to four weeks until the males give live birth. My thanks again to the Ceramic Art Studio and Shop.

 

Seahorse

 

Seahorse

 

Seahorse

 

Seahorse

 

Seahorse

Wet clay model

Alpaca

 

The alpaca (Vicugna pacos) is a species of South American camelid. Alpacas and llamas are similar in appearance and are both descended from the vicuña; however, alpacas are smaller and bred for their fiber whereas llamas are bred as working animals. Alpaca fleece is soft as cashmere, naturally hypoallergenic, warmer than wool, and is also water repellent. I based my model on an alpaca cria (term for a baby or juvenile alpaca) resting as they typically do with their front legs tucked under. My thanks again to the Ceramic Art Studio and Shop.

 

Alpaca

 

Alpaca

 

Alpaca

 

Alpaca

 

Alpaca

 

Alpaca

 

Alpaca

 

Alpaca

Wet clay model

Chinese Hamster and Lab Rat

 

Chinese hamster (left) and Lab rat (right). Medical science owes more to these two rodents than perhaps any other animal on the planet. 2020 being the year of the rat, I thought it fitting to pay tribute to these humble servants and enablers of the bio-pharmaceutical industry through which millions of lives have been enriched and saved. Incidentally, Chinese hamsters were more commonly used in medical research until lab rats and mice replaced them as they were easier to maintain and breed. To this day, many biologic drugs are developed and manufactured using the ovarian cells of the Chinese hamster - referred to within the industry as "CHO cells" (Chinese Hamster Ovary cells). My thanks again to the Ceramic Art Studio and Shop.

 

Chinese Hamster and Lab Rat

 

Chinese Hamster and Lab Rat

 

Chinese Hamster and Lab Rat

 

Chinese Hamster and Lab Rat

 

Chinese Hamster and Lab Rat

 

Chinese Hamster and Lab Rat

 

Chinese Hamster and Lab Rat

 

Chinese Hamster and Lab Rat

 

Chinese Hamster and Lab Rat

 

Chinese Hamster and Lab Rat

Wet clay models

Rabbit Doe and Bunny

 

This functional sculpture was made in two pieces so that the rabbit doe and bunny can be displayed by itself or as a centerpiece for the plate which was designed suitably for cookies or sushi. My thanks again to the Ceramic Art Studio and Shop.

 

Rabbit Doe and Bunny

 

Rabbit Doe and Bunny

 

Rabbit Doe and Bunny

 

Rabbit Doe and Bunny

 

Rabbit Doe and Bunny

 

Rabbit Doe and Bunny

 

Rabbit Doe and Bunny

 

Rabbit Doe and Bunny

Wet clay model

 Dolphin Mug

 

This is my fourth dolphin themed piece after the Emerald Dolphin, Ceramic Sea Pod, and Killer Whale Orca K-38 Comet (since killer whales are technically dolphins). My thanks again to the Ceramic Art Studio and Shop.

 

Dolphin Mug

 

Dolphin Mug

 

Dolphin Mug

 

Dolphin Mug

 

Dolphin Mug

 

Dolphin Mug

Wet clay model