Shell

[frank]

A few years ago I bought a book illustrating sea life and sculpted a few that were interesting to me. This is in stoneware, I textured it up with slip and embedded iron filings before I fired it. The result was less than I expected but I did some black and rust red from it. Sorry about the B/W photo but I used to like to play around with that type of film then also. All comments welcome.
Frank

[Yielding]

Frank - I really like that shell. Very very nice. I really like the shape and sharpness of the edges.

Yielding

[Jeffi]

Frank,

That's a really pretty shell. Very unusual looking. Is it based on an actual shell, or did you create a new one based on the ones found in your book? Too bad it's not in color.

[MKathleen]

Hi Frank:

Me too, I like it very much! I like the abstract almost nautalis shape. The pointed edges remind me of fin shapes, and it speaks of organic forms.
Could you discribe the color of your piece? With the dark and rust color as a part of the make-up I suspect it's really natural looking. What were you hoping for when you added the metal shavings color and texture wise? Also do you make your own slip and if so how is that done?
Congratulations on a fine sculpture:clap:

Best,
Kathy:D

[frank]

Thanks for the compliments.
The sculpture was based on an actual organism in the book, some of them are large and others microscopic.
By adding the metal filings I was trying to get more texture and color but it didn't really add much to it. The stoneware was a medium brown with speckles already in it and the iron pieces turned black in the firing and had a little rust around them. One thing that did surprise me was some of the metal didn't melt completely and I think I fired it up to around 2000 deg F. Anyway it was an experiment that didn't really hurt or help anything, maybe I'll try it again with some white clay when I feel like experimenting again.
I make small amounts of slip by smashing the clay in water with a fork and add more clay or water to get the consistency that I want.
Frank

[max nelson]

Frank..add me to the chorus..I like it also. The iron fillings sounds as if it would give some very interesting color to this. Wonder if you let them rust a little before firing whether or not they would retain their color? I also made something like this some time ago after seeing an exhibit in a museum in San Francisco. It was a huge 'slug' like critter. Didn't do as fine a job as you did but it is interesting and just a little weird. If you have some more of these around we at the Wet Canvas Sculptors of the World Society insist that you post them.:D
Max

[diane555]

Frank this is a lovely piece! The top arche is beautifully executed. Wish this was in color...I'm inerested in seeing how the metal shavings effected to final finish. Thanks for sharing and yes...we all insist on seeing more please :)

Di

[frank]

Thanks Max and Di, I don't have this piece anymore but I do have another of my sea things up in the attic and before I use up my next roll of film I'll get a picture of it. I think it's a little more interesting than this one.
Frank