Art in progress/santas, clay and glass: February 2010

This is a Starbucks glass bottle that i slumped (flattened) in the kiln and when it was cool, added black glass stringers to make the branches, red and purple glass frit to make the blossoms and green frit to make the glass. Not bad for a beginner, though I now know that I need to just less transparent or more vibrant colored frit for the flowers to stand out more. This is a learning experience and one can only learn by trying and learning from the mistakes. Though I think that any mistakes can be used for ones benefit.

febuary glass works

This is a open work bowl. It began as a glass tile, but i did not but the four glass tiles close enough, so there is some space between some areas. There are two clear glass tiles, one orange and one pale teal. I placed glass stingers and noodles on it and sprinkled extra fine red galss frit. I then fired it in the kiln and when it was cool. refired it using a slump bowl mold which gave it is bowl shape.

This is my totem symbol-the bear-protector of the wanderer. The top bear is made of Riveria Blue opal frit (looks like turquoise) the left is made of pale amber frit with glass a red glass stringer and noodles and the right is made of citron frit with red, black and teal stringers and a marroon noodle running in the middle. You will notice a metal object protruding from the top of the amber bear-that is a bail I attached so that it can be either worn on a necklace or used a a light catcher in a window.

febuary glass works

these are three glass crosses i made as an experiment. I think they came out pretty cool.

Febuary Glass Works

these are glass tiles that have a fern leaf sandwiched between them. When fired in the kiln, the fern leaves burned and left a ghost impression

2009 Santas

The Night Visitor!! My most ambitious Santa creation to date. He was commisioned by my Aunt Sondi for her employer, Dr. Webb, in Charlest Town, West Virginia. This Santa took almost 6 months to complete, from the initial discussion to the final dressing. He is wearing grey flannel pants, a black and white long coat trimmed in black faux mink, a white childs dress shirt, a navy blue sweater and a mickey mouse tie. In his right hand is a walking cane with a lantern on top to help him on his night visits, and in his left hand is a vintage child's doctor bag (from the 1940's) filled with a blood pressure cuff, thermometer and other medical items. On his lapel is a cadeus (the medical symbol for medicine/doctors.) He is the tallest of all the santas made to date-standing a roughly 36" . I think if i had to pick one santa out of all the ones i have made, this would be my favortie, because he was such a challenge and he was made with love. Hope you enjoy him Dr. Webb!!!!

Wow-a blue Santa?? Yes. He was commisioned by my friend Arlaine for her friend Sandee (who is a massage therapist). My father made the rocking horse. Thanks Dad!!

This Santa was done for my friend Arlaine's mother who lives in the great northwest!!

This Santa is an example of my Southwest Santa series. I try and use a southwest material and then incorporate feathers, beads and other objects that I think represent the Southwest.