I missed a vital week because of Covid. Returning to my rather grim bust i had the task of cutting up and planning a reconstruction.

Having learnt to hollow out my bust for firing, and enjoying the wonderful  plasticity of clay, I decided to cut it into a spiral. Discussing with Ben if it was possible ( the clay would collapse unless supported ) I  tried a thin supporting ribbon , tracing then cutting a spiral.. the clay bent in places but i succeeded in a single spiral

After a discussion with Ben I incised two extra spirals

After firing i plan to insert pencils and paint brushes in pre positioned holes and to have paint like substance spilling from the spiral cuts. I plan to use quick drying hot glue. To finish the bust I will either spray it a bright yellow or cover with strips of paper from an art magazine. It depends on what finish the terracota will take.

Over three weeks we have learnt about the properties of clay

The lesson is thinking and planning in three dimensions. During the last weeks we have produced work on paper, drawing , painting , printing,….now we entered the third and most difficult dimension. From tone and line we have to consider bulk, weight, texture shadow.

Starting with a set of head shots and a large lump of red clay we learnt to look at our heads, the enormous bulk behind our ears, the spacing of our features

It was deeply satisfying to learn to gouge out eye sockets, make eyeballs, eye lids, lips … three muscles in the top, two in the bottom. As usual in all self portraits I produced a portrait of my father, more spitting image than joseph epstein.

It has been a deeply satisfying experience, opening a whole exciting dimension. The possibilities in the sculpture studios are very exciting .