Ceramic Animal Sculpture

In June, I chaperoned an arts trip abroad to Italy with St. Mark’s students. A group of us went to Certaldo, in the Tuscany region, and participated in a ceramics workshop at La Meridiana. Our instructor, James Ort, is a British ceramicist and wire sculptor, who has developed techniques allowing newbies like myself to create successful works over 5 days in the class.

I chose to focus on a bison (American buffalo) as my subject matter for my first two works. We began with a wall-mounted bust, or head, learning about proportion and observation to gain a likeness of the animal. We used a copper oxide wash over terracotta to accentuate the slab style of creation. This technique applies 1/4″ to 1/8″ cut-out patterns to build up the anatomy, and by leaving the edges raw rather than blending the black oxide, it enhances the structural decisions and carved-out texture.

Our second piece was a standing animal, utilizing an internal skeleton that can be burnt out in the kiln, but supports the bulk of the clay weight. This allowed for delicate legs, even on bulky creatures such as the bison. I played up the mass and musculature of the animal, embracing the rough texture possible with the clay.

The final, third piece was a dynamic animal, and lacking any images of bison jumping, I switched over to my cat, Keith, of whom I have way too many images. Over-emphasizing his sinuous form while attempting to reflect a cat’s lithe muscularity and playfulness, this wall piece has a mannerist, cartoonish pose that exemplifies Keith’s personality.

Perhaps the most shocking aspect of the works, beyond surviving the kiln despite no clay wedging, was that they made it all home unbroken.

Many thanks to James Ort for his excellent instruction and kindness.