The good news is, my "cartoon bear" from the last post made it from my little apartment to school & onto the kiln shelf intact. Now comes the waiting... and trying to remain patient. I often feel I use up all my good patience at work, and then when it comes to getting things done in my personal life... I want it all to happen now, and I have to admit, it's one thing that drives me crazy about ceramics in the classroom setting... the waiting for firing- which could take weeks (or longer!) Aiiiiiiiii!!! So, in the meantime, what's a girl to do but do more work. I swore I wasn't going to work in my apartment again due to the tight space & constant clean up, but sure enough, as soon as I dropped off the Big Bear, wouldn't you know I picked up another bag of clay & got right to work the very next day. Here's the finished bear (soon to be in line w/ his buddy on the kiln shelf!) He's quite a bit smaller- about 8 inches tall & 16 inches long, which is still rather large, considering what I was doing before I started this class.
Another angle below~
I rather like the way it turned out... a bit less cartoonish & more bear-like to me.
And while I won't bore you all to tears with a million photos on process like I did last time, I will share a few... lucky you!
:)
I figured it would be easier if downshifted a bit, and went a little smaller this time... still working mostly w/ slab construction. I also figured I'd let the slabs dry a bit instead of working w/ wetter slabs that tend to collapse. Problem w/ that was, the thinner/drier slabs tended to crack during construction... so I was constantly re-wetting, smoothing & repairing as I went along. My 3 hour project turned in to an all day affair. I don't feel my construction was all that consistent, so I figure this one has a pretty good chance of blowing apart during the firing... so we'll see. Here's the work in progress below~
And as usual, there was the problem w/ the dreaded head! I can see in my mind exactly how I want it to look, but I can't seem to get the picture in my head to translate to the form!
Yes, again I redid his head at least 3 times before I could live with it.
Though the pic above would probably adequately describe how I was feeling as I was trying to get it right. And now, again comes the waiting game. In the meantime, I have been working on some assignments for class... but nothing I have really been able to sink my teeth into, or get really excited about, though I'll probably post some assignments here at some point or another. I have, however, been checking out various different types of sculptural clay online, & ordered a few clay books that I'm (im)patiently waiting for. There are certain types of clays that tend to be a bit more forgiving which would be a huge plus for larger sculptural works, and I'm anxious to give them a try. Until next time!
:)
17 comments:
Hey, congrats on getting Big Bear to class and ready for firing ! Little Bear looks really good (do you have any hair left or did you pull it all out ?). And I can understand the frustration with that military-like pace: 'hurry up and wait !'
Look forward to seeing the results *fingers crossed*
Hello Becky! Thank you for your visit................I think that you won't have any problem reading my page know; I have inserted the google translater on the top of the page...thank you for your suggestion!
One question: do you leave inside the figure of the bear that sponge?
Becky dear,
once you start selling these, in whatever size, are you going to put a little prezzie inside them?
Then when somebody drops one and it breaks, they have a consolation prize :-)
As for your "million photos on process"...I enjoy seeing all the stages and frustrations along the way, although I wish you less frustrations and more patience, Becky. Your lovely creations are a joy to see and wait for!
glad that the big bear made it safely! this guy looks good. one day you will whip out that bear head without thinking twice. have fun!
Oh, no, I am very interested in the work, and enjoy seeing the details. I have worked with clay just enough to understand the possible problems with a large piece like Big Bear. In fact, I have been wondering how you were going to fire it. Good luck with both of them.
Hi Becky, Now you have a Papa Bear and a Mama Bear - can a Baby Bear be far behind? I bet I know what you'll be doing this weekend - reading clay books!
Wonderful bear Becky! It took me two years to find the clay for me and also it is an art to know how dry to let the clay get before it cracks, always a fun game :-). I hope both the bears turn out and I bet they fire just fine. xoxo
Weeks! Weeks before we see the finished product. Oh I don't think I have the patience. I hope the smaller one works out too. Until then I will wait to see the finished product.
Becky, I love following along with your projects, but I sure do wish you could show us pix of getting that first bear out of your place and to the studio! (Kind of like building a boat in the basement).
Clair,
It ended up being not as difficult as I would have thought. My instructor recommended putting it on it's back on a big piece of foam, then cradling it at you would a (large) child. I was flying solo on the transportation & was too nervous about getting it down the stairs & in the car to set up any self portraits! It fit in my back seat & I just put blankets around it for support so it didn't get too much jostling. If I do another large project in my tiny place... I promise I'll do pics of the transport!
:)
How could I not enjoy something named 'Big Bear' :-)
Wow, you are quite talented Becky! You have an excellent collection of work on your blog. It is a pleasure to visit. Also, thank you for your kind comments on my blog.
I admire your work as I have no talent in it...
Have a wonderful weekend.
I love your bear
Becky this looks like a lot of fun and work. I'm afraid mine would be covered in cat hair and nose prints in seconds.
you never cease to amaze me! wish we'd had a polar bear like this one to protect us from our fears in
san diego! love you!
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