Clay Gannet Sculpture
A stylised one-of-a-kind unique sculpture of a Gannet in stoneware clay.
Hand built from stoneware clay using the ancient coiling technique where rolls of clay are coiled on top of each other. This clay Gannet has been decorated with underglaze colours and a transparent glaze over the eyes and beak.
Inspired by the many trips to see the Gannets at RSPB Bempton Cliffs
Size – Approx 22cm in height
Delivery
International shipping
Cost of international shipping will be added at the checkout and customers are responsible for any customs and duties.
International delivery will take longer but is tracked.
VAT – Price includes VAT at 20% in applicable countries.
Materials
Materials
Stoneware clay and glaze.
Ideally kept as an indoor piece.
How they were made
Mud, glorious mud! well, professional-grade stoneware clay from the UK to be precise.
Out of the bag the clay needs, “wedging,” to remove any air trapped that can later cause problems during firing. Wedging is physical and theraputic!
This piece was built using the ancient coiling technique which involves rolling coils and building the shape up in layers to create a hollow form (solid structures are more likely to blow up during firing as any moisture left tries to escape.) It’s a slow process -you can’t rush the build as the form may just collapse under its own weight.
After allowing them to dry a little I was able to shape and sculpt the details to bring out their character.
Next was the bisque firing – a progressive heating programme to reach 1060°C.
Once cooled (48 hours later) I was able to hand paint three layers of metallic glaze.
Next was the glaze firing – this time the temperature reaches 1245°C, this is where the alchemy and magic happens and gives the surface the final appearance.
To finish off the sculpture I added a separately fired black clay base which was then attached to her.
