Clay Heads

Sculpting Methods

Over the years I have developed my own hand-building techniques. Nothing is wheel-thrown; I build free form using slabs or coils, carving or adding clay where necessary. The shape changes with each addition of clay and paddling with a wooden tool to arrive at a shape that inspires me. The heads are not glazed, rather they are finished with a technique which produces a wood-like finish. Each piece is unique and represents a particular mood, feeling or emotion which expresses itself as the idea is developed. Much like a writer who is influenced by the character he creates, so too do my pieces interact with me during the creative process.

Finishing Techniques

Terra sigillata is a refined clay slip which gives sculpture a shiny quality without glazing. I have used it on leather hard (nearly dry) clay before kiln firing. The terra sigilata is lightly painted over the entire piece, left to dry, then polished with a soft cloth. This process is repeated two more times. This type of finish gives the sculpture a sheen after it is fired in a kiln.

Shoe polish gives sculpture a wonderful, natural finish. Unlike terra sigillata, it is applied after the piece is fired. Several coats of mid tan or brown shoe polish mixed with a small amount of paint thinner are applied to the entire sculpture. I have found that using a toothbrush by dipping it first in the paint thinner and then in the polish works very well. It is best not to soak it too much in the paint thinner, however. For large pieces the same process is used with a soft cloth wrapped around the fingers instead of the brush. I let each coat dry overnight and then polish the sculpture with a soft cloth. Once you have achieved the desired color tone and given it a final hand polish, the sculpture is ready for the finishing touches! Spray Krylon satin finish on the entire piece and let it dry overnight to preserve the color. Note that this process is not appropriate to sculptures which will be exposed to bright sunlight.