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There are many theories on the origin of the dragon myth, ranging from our primitive ancestors' attempts to explain dinosaur fossils to an amalgam of our earliest natural predators (serpents, raptors, and big cats). Although capable of flight, Asian (Chinese) dragons are primarily associated with water (their serpentine form flowing like rivers and seas). While the description of the Chinese dragon is fairly consistent across sources, their depictions vary considerably depending on the country, era, artist, and genre. There is even meaning behind the number of claws they have per each foot. Ancient dragon symbols have been discovered that date as far back as 6000 BC, but I decided to base my design on one of the earliest "modern" representations available, a 13th century masterpiece handscroll painting by Chen Rong: "Nine Dragons." I kept the morphology consistent with Chen Rong's dragons except the tail. The dragon's pose was stylistically inspired by Jack Kirby. As always, thanks to the Ceramic Art Studio and Shop.
Bisque fired
Wet clay model
Work in progress
Concept sketch
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Sea turtles are highly adapted marine reptiles that have been around since the age of dinosaurs. These solitary creatures can hold their breath for up to 40 minutes while actively foraging, and up to 7 hours while sleeping. The sea turtle's ability to navigate hundreds of miles back to the exact beach from where they hatched is one of the most remarkable feats in the animal kingdom. This sculpture is based on the green sea turtle, an endangered species with an amazingly beautiful shell pattern that can grow up to 5 feet. Sharks on the other hand, are terrifying predators and one of the main reasons I avoid swimming in the sea. I made this piece as a graduation gift for my son Sean. Thanks always to the Ceramic Art Studio and Shop. (Note: the wooden base in these pics is not the final version - I am working on a larger one that fits better.)
The shell serves as a nice lid.
Bisque fired
Wet clay model
Concept sketch - very rough; I worked mostly from stock images.
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I learn something new every time I sculpt. I am certainly learning about different types of glazes and their overall effect in combination with the type of clay used. This is my third and largest mermaid mug to date. I even based her face on photos of Lily Aldridge. I wanted to use a glaze that would allow as much of the detail to show through as possible. While the mouth area turned out a little darker than I had expected, the overall sheen and finish on the rest of the piece is much more gorgeous than these photos capture. Thanks always to the Ceramic Art Studio and Shop.
Emerald mermaid front
Emerald mermaid side
Emerald mermaid side
Post sanding and pre-glaze. I just noticed that I had used a can of Starbucks coffee (with their famous piscine female logo) to prop her up - this was totally unintentional.
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My goal (or request rather) was to sculpt a dolphin themed candle holder. The result was even better than I had anticipated, thanks in most part to my brilliant ceramics instructor who did some magic during the glazing process to the inside of the shell to give it an effect of pooled, opalescent sea water. And, it adds a level surface to the interior of the shell as well, resulting in both beauty and function (or porpoise-ful design). Everything I've learned so far about working with clay and glazes is represented in this piece, and it is one of my favorite creations to date. Thanks always to the Ceramic Art Studio and Shop.
Emerald Dolphin FrontEmerald Dolphin Top ViewEmerald Dolphin Rear ViewEmerald Dolphin Wet ClayEmerald Dolphin Wet Clay BW
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I really liked this one... could be my favorite piece to date. Thanks again to the Ceramic Art Studio and Shop.
Concept sketch
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