Sculpting Process

Using a raku clay body which is very tolerant of dramatic temperature change, I make a coil for the base and work my way up with more coils to form the body. I then sculpt the tail, arms, and legs and put detail in the head and face. The spines are added from tip of the tail to the head with each one ending up different. Head, hand and tail position are adjusted as the personality forms. Some lean forward, some sit back, eager or patient as they show their true selves. The form is hollow all the way up. Wings are created flat then folded and attatched at the shoulder. I can pick them up by their necks when they are done.

Raku Process

Raku is a process of putting bisque-fired (fired once slowly to about 1800°F in an electric kiln) thrown or sculpted glazed pieces into a gas kiln and heating it fairly quickly to about 1800°F until the glaze is melted. Then it is removed (glowing red) with gloves and tongs and placed in a reduction chamber. This can be any fire proof container that can be sealed so the glaze is starved of oxygen when the combustible materials placed inside starts on fire, pulling the metallic colors out and putting smoke into the unglazed areas of the clay. The piece is left to cool and the resulting color is a magical surprise.

Interested in a dragon?

I live in Eagan and will deliver wit in a 30 mile radius