We are a home based arts business based in beautiful northern Tasmania, just outside the small but very creative town of Deloraine. Jacque is an artist who specialises in sculpting, especially garden art figures. When not doing clay work, Jacque paints and quilts. John sells books and CDs, especially music by Tasmanian musicians, who, despite the fact that we have a recording studio in town, are too modest to make CDs. We can be found at the Deloraine market on the first Saturday of each month, starting in September. We are exploring other appropriate markets and venues. In the fullness of time we will be setting up workshops etc. so keep an eye on our blogspot for these and other ventures. Thank you for taking the time to look at this, and do contact us should you see anything you like, or if you should want any art materials.

Monday, 27 June 2011

Latest Works

A few new clay works to share!  You'll notice that they all have the same type of finish as I was trying out a white slip on top of the clay for the tiles and lantern.  The slip I used is a mixture of ball clay and water that is brushed on top of the clay in liquid form.  The slip was left to dry and then I carved through the slip to reveal the darker clay beneath.  Yes, I like rabbits!

Hand-carved Rabbits & Hares Tiles. Terracotta Clay with Slip.
Art Nouveau is one of my favourite styles. This is perhaps why Vienna was a favourite destination in our travelling days.  When in Vienna you're surrounded by Art Nouveau treats. I've made a collection of plant themed tiles in this style, using the same technique as for "Rabbits & Hares". 

Hand Carved Botanical Tiles. Terracotta Clay with Slip.

Celtic knots are fun to produce!  This tile has a different finish.  Black iron oxide has been washed onto Buff Raku Clay to highlight the carved design.

Hand Carved Celtic Knot Tile. Buff Raku with Iron Oxide.
I've made several lanterns in the past, all with a different carved out design.  For this lantern I've used a more contemporary design than usual.  I've used the same white slip on top of Red Raku Clay.  This clay looks like terracotta in colour but is a tougher clay that is more suitable for hand building large pieces.  The toughness comes from there being small bits of already fired clay (called "grog") being added to the clay base.  When candles are lit at night within these carved lanterns they cast some beautiful patterns onto surrounding surfaces.

"Lava" Lantern. Red Raku with Slip.

Now a work in progress.  This is a wall plaque that has just been fired and I'm about to do a hanging system for it that incorporates some beads.

Wall Plaque.  Terracotta Paper Clay.  Underglazes & Clear glaze
At the moment I'm working on a couple of larger figures, including a new Modigliani lady.  I have a delightful young student coming to me once a week and this week she is keen to make a horse!  That'll be a nice challenge for me! 'Til next time..............