Dolphins mate at all times of the year, and the pregnancy lasts typically 12 months. The females give birth in shallow waters, and newborn calves instinctively swim to the surface for their first breath upon birth. Other females in the pod may also act as nurse maids and help raise the young. Baby dolphins breastfeed for up to 3 years and will stay with the mother for 4 to 8 years. As a dolphin pod travels, the young are kept in the center for protection. Coincidentally, a Harvard trained psychologist used dolphin families as a metaphor for ideal parenting. I really enjoyed sculpting this piece which clearly is a variation on an earlier theme. Both works were also personal gifts with intended meaning. My thanks again to the Ceramic Art Studio and Shop.
Wet clay model
Wet clay model in progress
Early concept sketch (iPad Pro with Apple Pencil)