Whilst the clay is drying, I am clarifying the  detail that I want to put on the surface of this Piece. This piece is the third of a group commission for a private garden. The pieces are inspired by a tiny toadstool that was struggling to grow through the roots of a tree. One side […]

It has been a glorious day today in the sculpture garden. I think that hot sun in September always seems so precious as we inch into autumn. Today i have been working on the shape of this piece. I want it to be oval from above and have exaggerated this by hitting the sides to […]

Today i have worked round and round with a steel kidney, compressing the clay and pollishing the surface.As it dries the surface undulations become apparent, so I use the kidney to take off the high points and fill in the low ones. Its a bit like plastering a wall. It is a very satisfying process. […]

Today I have smoothed the surface with a steel kidney, which is a kidney shaped tool that I drag across the surface, compressing the clay, taking out the high points and filling the low points. I gradually work my way round the surface, compressing the clay so that it is strong and smooth. Done.

  I am working my way round, methodically taking out the finger marks. Always supporting the piece with my other hand. A wobble now could cause a fatal crack! Done………………… for today.

The air trapped inside will now support the top. I must crack on with the surface as it is now pretty dry. I could wet it but it is stronger if I leave it, I will just have to work fast. I use my fingers to smooth the surface, dragging the clay from the high […]

I am gradually bringing the top together, being very careful to join the underside as carefully as I have the rest of the form. I can not put any weight on it as I work and I must support every movement. It’s a bit Awkward!h

Slowly Does it at this point.