Well, my big cartoon bear didn't make it through the bisque fire. Interesting though, the way the chunk of him popped off. I expected perhaps he'd crack or something... rather than lose a chunk. When I opened the kiln, there it was... a chunk just lying there... all nondramatic-like! I did feel my heart sink... but it was for only a brief moment...this is just what happens in the clay game when you're learning. (Not to mention when you're trying out new clays,& trying to go bigger than you have the skill level for!)
When I built him, I recall having to add clay to the inside in certain areas where the slabs felt too thin. It looks as though I trapped some air or moisture in between the two slabs... and my slipping & scoring looks poor upon examination. I couldn't see giving him the heave-ho, just because I can't glaze & fire... so I decided to patch him up.
I used a little E-600 industrial strength glue to put him back together, then a little outdoor paint.
You can still see the outline of the crack on the top, but that honestly doesn't bother me. I may or may not add a bit more texture, but definitely he'll need some sealant to finish him off. Now, if I just had a yard & a garden, I'd put him in it!
15 comments:
I've always loved carefully mended objects because it is clear how meaningful they were to someone. Mending things at the broken places is perhaps becoming a lost art. I'm glad you are keeping it alive, Becky.
Darn, I wonder if it was an air bubble. I say try again! So glad your not sending him to bear heaven. He would look great in a garden. I can't wait to see your next adventure in art.
You missed a great opportunity:
digging a hole right in that spot and putting in the prezzie, or a tiny baby bear, and then sealing it up for posterity to find :-)
Lemonade ?
The repair just makes him 'One of a Kind'...I would welcome him to my garden also, Becky!
Becky, That bear now has even more character. Many of us have bits and pieces missing - just like Bear, we are all one of a kind. Someday, you'll have a garden where he will fit perfectly.
I think you did a good job and have you thought about painting him with acylics? I see him in bright colors maybe with flowers :-), but that's just me. He will be a good garden gnome when (and you will) have a garden. xoxo
The repair is part of him....it becomes an occurrence in his 'life'..part of his history. So glad that you made the repair and didn't dispose of him...
-Trevor
What is better than a bear with a scar? Don't feel bad about it at all, Becky. He is unique!
Some pieces are destined to become less perfect and more meaningful because they teach us. I hate that.
I love the Bear. I hope you will make many more :)
Cool
Ah, NOW he's got character ! And he also looks a little defiant in that pose as if to say "just go ahead and mention my patch ... !".
Maybe you can keep him at the front door as a watch bear !
I wouldn't mind if a spot of my fat just fell off my side like that! Wah-lah!
He looks no worse for wear!
In Japanese culture, we appreciate not perfect things better than perfect ones. He is so adrable!!
Looks like everyone is in agreement. We love him patch and all.
Hi, Becky. I love your blog! Remember when you first discovered your bear medicine animal in Sculpture 1 class at Southern Oregon University? I miss taking classes with you. My website should be up and running soon. I'll let you know when I have my website address.
Love,
Melanie
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