Lyrical Vessels

It has been a while since I have posted examples of what I have been working on in clay. After some lengthy health issues I am back in the studio, not for quite as long as I used to be, but I try to do some work every day. This new clay series is much more playful in form and color and I still try to make surface one of the most important visual elements. The high fired stoneware pieces incorporate low fire metallic luster glazes, metallic pigments, acrylic paint and a few crystals.  I hope you enjoy seeing the work. Remember, you can click on the image to make it larger and you can scroll down to see older work.

Miami Dade College Gallery

I wanted to share some photos of two pieces I have on display at the Miami Dade College Gallery. The larger piece, entitled Crossroads / Tree of Life, is a work in progress. It will be part of a larger installation when finished. The Crossroads theme has always been an important spiritual image in many cultures. In art, it is often paired with the tree of life. The second, smaller piece is entitled left foot and is a personal piece where I reflect on my mortality. This is also part of another large installation that I have planned.

Newer pieces for the American Cancer Society

This week I am donating seven pieces to Baptist Hospital for the Relay for Life (a fund raiser for the American Cancer Society). Four of the pendants are porcelain and the other three are polymer clay, a new material I have been working with.

Porcelain Jewelry continued

New Porcelain Additions

I am currently following two lines of exploration in my artwork: Reliquary Boxes and Porcelain Jewelry. Over the past year I have been creating unique organic forms that are inspired by the flora and fauna of South Florida, particularly marine life and insects. These highly textured miniature sculptures incorporate white porcelain clay, high fire stains, gold and palladium luster glazes, acrylic paint and a variety of European glass beads and Swarovski crystals. Each clay piece is fired four separate times before being painted and embellished. The fragile, often paper thin pieces emphasize the delicate nature of the porcelain clay.

RELIQUARY SHADOW BOXES

Reliquary - a container or shrine in which sacred relics are kept (Miriam-Webster Dictionary)

In my latest series of clay sculptures, I have created detailed miniature clay forms utilizing colorfully painted fine white porcelain, much like the jewelry I posted earlier only slightly larger. I have combined the precious nature of a gilt finish with glass, stone and metal to give each object an air of peciousness. The deep black shadow boxes seem to enshrine the delicate objects and add to their sense of sacredness. As you look at the miniatures, notice how they sometimes hint at the human form and at other times an abstracted cross can be seen.  The black wooden boxes are relatively small meauring just 6 by 8 inches on the outside.

  

MORE PORCELAIN JEWELRY

Here are a few more examples of the porcelain jewelry I am working on.