glaze – Ellen Cooper Art

Birds

I have been having great fun recently working on some bird sculptures in various styles and using different techniques. They range from more or less realistic to complete fantasy! Here are a few in various stages of production:

Decorating with underglaze after first firing

pair of hens mounted on wood — Good Friends

Rook. This one is not finished yet. The clay will turn black when fired and it will be mounted, probably on a post or block of wood.

Drying out, texture has been used to add detail

“Hatchling” after final firing. The choice of base is important

close up of hatchling sculpture — Detail adds character.

Texture and a tuft decorate this one. There are holes underneath to add legs later.

Underglaze has been applied to add colour

Tufftty Bird — Tufty Bird has a wooden stand, a natural small log

tuffty bird mounted on wood — Texture and colour are important

And here are some completed birds:

Hen With Egg, there really are bald hens! 30x20x25cm

fantasy hen — Fantasy Hen. Sculpture for inside or outside. £80

head of ceramic bird — The eye has a glossy glaze.

More pictures can be seen on the Ceramics: Animals page: https://ellencooperart.com/gallery/

and also in my Etsy Shop:

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/EllenCooperArt

Working From Photographs

Lady and Ntombi

These are two works that only had photographs to work from.

Ntombi

This is the photograph that inspired ‘Ntombi,’ a new born rhino. As you see they really do have huge feet!

Ellen’s interpretation is not aiming at an exact copy, but is rather an exploration of form and texture while preserving the essence of baby rhino!

The eye and textures and folds around the ears and face were of particular interest. The glaze gives it expression and sparkle. Below Ntombi (young woman in Zulu) is taking her first hesitant steps.

Ellen with rhino on knee — Ellen is very fond of her new pet…

Ellen feeding baby rhino — but I am not sure that lettuce is the best food!

Lady

This sculpture aimed more at realism as it is to remember a pet German Shepherd dog. The only photographs available were of poor quality.

ceramic dog face — The face of the sculpture.

The second photograph shows more of the dog.