Under Construction

At the end of the semester I had a few pieces that I was working on at multiple stages.  These pictures show a piece I am working on at the moment.  After returning from visiting family, I was hoping to get back on this piece, but the University had to shut down power to run electrical tests.  The power should be back on tomorrow and I'm looking forward to finishing up this piece.  I haven't figured out a "title",  for the piece, but that's the least of my thoughts at the moment.  I'll post new pictures of the piece tomorrow, when I can get back in the studio.  This piece is entirely hand built using an earthenware clay body and slabs.  I've used some press molded additions as well, with the "bolts and screws".

New sculpture-"Manual Labor", December 2011

Pictured here is the piece titled, "Manual Labor", which is hand built, using terra cotta and fired to cone 6.  This piece is actually a mixed media piece consisting of terra cotta, steel, wood, and pvc.  The red "gears" in the background are completely terra cotta and hand carved to create the teeth look of the outer form of the "gear".  The surface consists of a mid-fire glaze and cold glazes.  I created a patina on the chain using a non-toxic citrus and vinegar solution. 

What the Blue?

It's been some time since I've posted an update, so I thought I would put up another picture of the next stage I was at a couple of weeks ago with this piece.  I know the color is questionable and believe me, it will not look like this when I am done with it!  I will take a picture of it today and post the new image of its progress.  I had critiques the last two weeks and finals are over for the semester, but I still have a lot of work to finish up during the break.  I'm trying to get five new pieces finished before the spring semester starts so I can have some of my new work in my portfolio when I start applying for teaching positions.  I'll post a new picture of this piece later tonight, so you can see the transformation of the surface from this picture.