10 July 2010

Flock of Seagulls

I'm not sure what kind of bird these are really, Steve Cymrot called them crows. I think of Heckle and Jeckle (check 'em out on youtube)  sometimes...and I don't think that I've shown any good photos of the birds that came out the last firing but they've been a big hit and I really enjoyed making them. So much so that I'm devoting a big part of the next firing to our avian friends, both big garden sculptures and smaller lidded ones. It is a very different way to work than making breakfast bowls and mugs, but I'm interested in playing more and this is really cracking me up!
 This two faced bird has me really excited...I only had a vague idea that two might be better than one and for some reason this form made it easy. It has given me a bunch of new ideas to try...
 So far this is the biggest, reaching almost 40" tall. I'm guessing that there way more than 1000 'feathers'
Here is a thrown piece before I have my way with it...
This is a 10"x10" cylinder with 4 faces. A champagne bucket for four! It is a study of sorts for a totem-like piece that I'm dreaming of...stacking a bunch of pieces together with giant birds wrapped around it.
 
These will be smaller lidded birds, starting with 1 -2 pounds of clay.

11 comments:

Linda Starr said...

I'm not surprised they're popular, they have such personality, love the lidded birds.

Hannah said...

Brill, they are fab. Not surprised they are cracking you up.h

cookingwithgas said...

they are clever and crafty looking birds!
Seems you are on a good roll with those- 40 inches!

Unknown said...

Fantastic birds! I wonder if they would scare off the squirrels on my bird feeders? Imagine setting one up to glare out the window and any potential interlopers...

Kari Weaver said...

I am crazy about birds, living or otherwise. I love these!

ang design said...

amazing beaks!! love em..

Anna M. Branner said...

Crazy! I like the totem idea....

Vicki said...

Wow, they are wonderful! I often make two-headed birds so I especially like your bird with two faces. Great direction you are going with these, and I love the glazing on the finished one!

Jen Mecca said...

I love those birds. I'm with you...Heckle and Jeckle all the way!

Joe and Christy said...

fun birds--love your creative spirit!

**c

S_crack said...

Your birds are fantastic, Dan! I like them all, but think that the tall one ("1000 feathers?")is particularly powerful. The "Janus" bird is intriguing, as well.
Keep up the great work!