Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Sleeping Heads


I took these shots in the gallery (barn). I love these soft and gentle expressions that I have placed in various locations throughout the farm. They seem to have their own life, and I am always surprised how they sometimes reflect my mood. Even though they are sleeping, I see anger, sadness and peacefulness in the different pieces, and I like the the texture that is created when I put the pieces together. The bottom photo is of one of the largest I have been able to get through the process (firing, mostly been the problem).
I've slowed down the firings and bisque the work. I also put sand or wadding underneath the piece. This resolved the problem. I also had to build a pulley system, to load the big pieces into the top loading electric kiln. It's like burying someone, I lower the piece into the opening, gently placing two or three posts underneath the head so I can pull the strap from around the piece. I see the bisque cycle as the death cycle of pottery, dull and lifeless. The final firing being the renewal of life, full of color and presence. The wet clay as I build or throw so alive and flexible, represents the birth and first life cycle of the clay.

6 comments:

Judy Shreve said...

These are absolutely fabulous -- I love the texture & the color & the subtle expressions. Your analogy of the bisque to resurrection is spot on.

Linda Starr said...

Oh Ron, your sculptures are so expressive, I can feel the emotions in the faces. Love the colors and textures. How large are they, it is hard to tell in the photos.

judsculpt said...

great heads and so subtle, good to see sculpture from potters hands.
judy

potrron said...

The tallest one is 32". I have worked with this image for about twelve years. It just keeps bringing me back to work on another face. Thanks for the comments.

Anonymous said...

beautiful piece... was curious about size but i notice you answered that, it must be pretty hefty

Shayna said...

Your work is very beautiful!