Here I am in my clay studio, in Sedona, AZ. Behind me are the shelves with my ceramics at various stages of completion. In my hands is one of my miniature masks in its " green ware form." What that means is I am dealing with just dried clay in a shape that can break if I hold it wrong, or use a tool incorrectly. It is in its most fragile state now. Here's where the touch of experience comes in, or tries not to. Next job: put it into the kiln and low fire to the bisque stage. This actually comes from the term used hundreds of years ago by the British potteries, back when everything was totally carried out by hand. Once fired, the clay would have the consistency of a biscuit.
It is now more difficult to break, hence easier to handle, and able to take glaze.That's an important step toward completion. To my right is the mask that has had its purple glaze and awaits the final firing. As you can see, it is white. After firing, it turns dark, and the color stand out . Native American in the southwest make their pottery in a similar style.
Then it gets complicated. I need Lots of Time for the assemblage: copper wire wrapped , then gently covered with yarn ; bent finger ; leather backing, ; burnt fingers on hot glue ; find handmade bead to decorate, Or I have to make it! and finally, Give a hair cut.
The Art of the studio, and ...in the studio.
