Stoneware

440mm H x 230mm W x 140mm D

From Flock of Birds series - The Aviary
These bird-like sculptures progressed from my earlier “visitor” series- humanoid but not human, more creatures of another era or world.
Like them, my birds are coil built from a speckled Australian clay called BRT. Once I have finished the general shape, I refine them with a hacksaw blade until they are smooth, and I am happy with the shape.
After bisque firing, I generally glaze them with a copper-based glaze and fire them in reduction to 1300° in my gas kiln. Sometimes I put a white slip under the glaze, and sometimes they are lower fired. Occasionally I use a manganese glaze on the beak, or even all over.
My intention is not anatomical correctness. I just aim to convey the spirit, special characteristics or even a caricature of the bird. - Aimée McLeod