Monday, September 26, 2011

Spirit Guide III

This is my most recent Spirit Guide piece. I continue to draw influence from shamanistic sources. In the case of this piece I reference crow as spirit guide. In Native American mythology crows are powerful medicine and act as guides, mentors, thieves and tricksters. I associate crows with cities and man. They, like humans, have an infinite capacity for improvisation and survival. Who better to turn to in a harsh urban environment than crow. I have juxtaposed glazed terra-cotta with feathers, copper and a halo of golden syringes. Crows are the ultimate scavengers. As survivors crows don't judge, they merely exist, as such who better to minister to the down trodden, transients, thieves, junkies, hookers and hoodlums. My next Spirit Guide piece is in homage to my totem: Bear.
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Saturday, September 24, 2011

Slab skull masks II

Here are a few pictures of the finished masks. I used copper tubing and ox blood colored silk ribbon to hang these on the wall. I've gotten some really good feedback on these masks...I definitely plan to explore more variations in the future.
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Thursday, September 15, 2011

Slab skull masks

Here are two slab built skull masks I made as demos for a student project. I drapped thin slabs of terra-cotta over crumpled up newspaper. I pressed textures and patterns into the slab beforehand. Then shaped and cut them into skulls. After they were bisque fired I coated them with black slip. I wiped off the high points and left the slip in the recesses. I sponged white slip over the entire piece then used a bronze glaze inside it and around the teeth. This was something more crafty I thought would be fun to try. Perfect for Halloween.
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