My Sculpting Process

The process of creating a sculpture for me begins with a 25-pound block of wet pliable earthen clay, newpaper, plastic, water and various wooden and handmade tools. I cut, fold, flatten, round out, push up, press down, add to, and take away until I am satisfied with the form. I have no preconceptions when I begin other than a basic idea of the form and the feel I am reaching for in the work. I am trying for an asymmetrical and balanced form with organic qualities. It is my intention that the clay body is clearly seen and that hand prints are left behind. I love the clay like marks, cracks and earthy movement.

One could say I sculpt Alla Prima (wet on wet) as in painting. I usually finish the sculpture within a few sessions at most and seldom go back to change it later. I believe my best work is in the moment and ‘at first’. I have no intention of creating an exact model or replica of anything. I want to sculpt a dance, a song, a loving thought, a secret, the quiet or maybe laughter.

After the sculpture has been ‘built’, it is slowly dried (2 weeks or more) under wet cloth and fabric. It is then fired to 2100 degrees in an electric kiln.  This takes 1-2 days of preheating, 1 day of firing and 1-2 days of cooling. At this point I have a high-fire stoneware sculpture that is extremely hard and somewhat porous.

The surface of the sculpture is then coated with bronze and copper metal powder in a Forton MG base. This is the same material used in many decorative architectural outdoor elements today. It is very hard, not porous at all. After the metal matures I apply cold patinas, using various chemicals to the surface to get the desired color and effect. This process can take anywhere from 1 day to 2 weeks depending on the number of layers. Many of my sculptures can have as many as 10 layers of patinas before I finally declare them finished and apply the sealer.

The sealer stops the patinization of the metal and the sculpture will hold the color forever assuming it remains adequately sealed. Most of my sculptures are sealed only for indoor display, however it is possible to easily seal them for outdoors safely.

My clay sculptures are all originals, created from start to finish by the artist. I hope they make you feel happy or bring back a good memory.