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The Valkyrie
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- Category: Sculptures
In Norse mythology, Valkyries decided the fate of warriors in battle, and those that were chosen for death were taken by them to Valhalla where they received a hero's welcome by Odin and other gods like Thor, and served mead. Recent archaeological evidence suggest tales of Valkyries existed well before 700 AD. Their role in ancient mythology was not unlike that of the celestial maidens of Asia or angels in Judeo Christian religion in that their main purpose was to perform the bidding of a supreme heavenly being such as Odin or Jehovah. I based my sculpture on my favorite Valkyrie, Brunhild (or Brünnhilde in Wagner's epic Ring Cycle opera: Die Walkure). In this operatic tale, Brunhild defies her father's (Odin's) order by second guessing his true intent, which angers him even more. But as much as he is angry with Brunhild, he allows her to have some say in choosing her own fate - revealing how much he loved her of all his Valkyrie daughters. This piece is meant to capture the moment that Brunhild descends from the heavens as she is transformed by Odin into a normal woman and about to be laid to sleep surrounded by a ring of fire, ensuring that only the bravest of heroes will be able to pass through it to save and claim her. My thanks again to the Ceramic Art Studio and Shop.
Wet clay model
Prometheus
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- Category: Sculptures
In Greek mythology, Prometheus was a Titan (like Atlas) who created man out of clay and also defied the gods by stealing fire and giving it to humanity, thereby enabling scientific and technological progress. As punishment, Zeus had Prometheus tied to a rock where an eagle fed on his liver, only for it to regenerate the next day when the eagle would eat it again. The concept of man being created from clay or earth is a theme that can be found in many ancient myths and religions - a similarity that is intriguing in and of itself. With his sculpting human forms from clay and his gifting of fire to mankind, Prometheus can even be considered the patron god of ceramic artists - which is the overall theme of my piece. I sculpted the flames so that it can be removed and replaced with a small candle. My thanks again to the Ceramic Art Studio and Shop.
Prometheus candle holder
Wet clay model
The Prize Fighter (Inspired by Jack Johnson)
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- Category: Sculptures
"Don't let your dreams be dreams."
- Jack Johnson (1878 - 1946)
I've always wanted to sculpt a boxer ever since I started ceramic sculpting but could not come up with a concept that worked - until I happened to come across a photo of Jack Johnson, the world's first African American heavy weight boxing champion, holding an air jab pose while training. John Arthur Johnson is considered one of the greatest heavyweight champions of all time, and his prowess in the boxing ring were legendary and foreshadowed techniques, athleticism, and flair that are ordinary by today's standards but were ground breaking during his time. By all accounts, he lived a remarkable life on his own terms in the face of racial prejudice and prevalent bigotry. While this piece is meant to portray a nameless prize fighter, it is inspired by Jack Johnson and based on that photo of him showing off his jab. My thanks again to the Ceramic Art Studio and Shop.
Wet clay model
Baba Yaga
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- Category: Sculptures
Baba Yaga is both feared and endeared in Slavic cultures. Depending on the circumstances, this hideous all powerful witch can end up either eating or helping a traveler that wanders near her chicken legged hut. Baba Yaga travels through the forest in a flying mortar with a pestle in one hand, and a broom in the other with which she sweeps away her traces. Western pop cultural references to Baba Yaga are typically in the context of a Russian folkloric boogeyman (John Wick, Ant-Man and the Wasp, etc.). I designed my version of Baba Yaga based heavily on Ivan Bilibin's illustration in the classic Russian folktale, "Vasilisa the Beautiful" published in 1874, as it conveyed the most verisimilitude - a key characteristic I try to instill in all my work. I also would like to thank and dedicate this piece to all my Russian friends on Instagram for inspiring me to explore the rich world of Russian folklore. My thanks again to the Ceramic Art Studio and Shop.
Baba Yaga frequently bears the epithet "bony leg" (Baba Iaga kostianaia noga).
Wet clay model
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