Ruby Tuesday

Unlike most of my work, this creature was born with no planning, no sketches and no intention. While conditioning a rather large lump of polymer clay, my hands took over and before I knew it, out she popped. I had shaped the clay into a basic female form. Why the dog head? She is a dog sprite inspired by the mascot and beloved dog of the studio, Ruby Tuesday, hence the name.

Once completed and baked, I embarked on painting her. I did not want to paint her 'realistically', rather, I wanted to use her as a canvas. My paint of choice was Golden, painted over their absorbant ground which causes acrylic paint to act as watercolour. 

I'm not entirely ready to part with her but will certainly let you know when i am :)

Works in Progress - Becoming

This curious winged creature has been evolving over the last month, initially springing forth during a day of deep introspection. As I first worked on her, the phrase 'damaged goods' was very much in the forefront of my mind. However, as she's come more and more into being, I see something quite different in this angel in the making… determined hopefulness for what is yet to come.

There is a becoming happening here, a growing out of that which is dense and constricting, ultimately destined to soar amongst the stars. Of course the wings need to grow some, they are still young and incapable of flight. But give it time…

This sculpture-in-the-making is my first piece made with epoxy clay, a two part air dry clay that is strong, doesn't shrink and enables fantastic detailing. Used by both museums and taxidermists, it's incredibly versatile and, get this, can even harden submerged in water! 

Reminiscing

The wonder that our little ones take the time to notice – Rio aged 4

That time of year has come round again, where we take on all that is... the birthday. Another year passes as Rio turns 7 this week, and, as we are preoccupied with the birthday vibe, I can't help but pause for a moment... 7 years old? Really? The time has flown by so quickly (I know, that is such a cliché) from when he was little and round and grappling with the challenges of infancy. Now I look at my boy, occasionally getting glimpses of what he will look like when he's all grown up... I don't yearn for that time at all, as the daily moments of wonder that he brings to my world are treasured indeed.

So, happy birthday, darling boy, and may your life be filled with every colour of experience and emotion that makes us human.

The Making of Dr Doom

The Dr Doom mask as worn by Oscar Inspired by Marvel Comics' Dr Doom, my latest one-to-one children's mask workshop gave rise to some creative licencing on behalf of young Oscar, aged 10. Armed with
a collection of Dr Doom imagery, we set to work over the summer holidays.

The end result surprised and delighted us both. Certainly a far cry from my usual swirly creations but nonetheless, a great deal of fun to make.

The mask is made with Daz clay, an inexpensive and often overlooked air dry clay, which is pleasant to work with and very strong when dry. It's an ideal medium for trying out new ideas and for sculpting onto a papier maché base prior to adding veneers, paint or embellishments. As a clay to use with children, it's terrific as it dries out slowly and is pleasantly messy (always important!). It can be wetted down with water to slow down the drying process and due to its drab colouring, is not all that appealing to pop into the mouth... I highlight this point as a plus from previous experience with (young) children and crafts!

We constructed Victor (so much friendlier than Dr Doom) in layers, first sculpting essential features such as the nose and chin. The mouth insert went in last and works well to heighten the supervillain vibe.

My highest compliments to Oscar, who embraced this project with enthusiasm,
good listening ears and a great deal of patience. 

Contemporary Craft Retreat

I'm delighted to have been invited to teach at the Contemporary Craft Retreat in Canberra this October. Over two days, an eclectic array of mixed media classes are on offer, along with the opportunity to meet and mingle with crafters from all over Australia and overseas.

The organisers have put together a fantastic selection of classes to choose from, including: sculpting with Paverpol or liquid Makin's Clay, felting, Viking knitting with wire, polymer clay beads and a number of classes in Metal Clay.

I'll be teaching classes in mask-making and Metal Clay origami.
I'd love to see you there!