 HOW EACH SCULPTURE IS CREATED ~ The Process and Materials ~ Each original sculpture is hand shaped from a 25 lb. block of high-fire porcelain clay. Detail is added over the course of weeks, as the piece becomes firmer while being allowed to dry very slowly. As soon as it is firm enough to hold its shape, I cut the piece open and hollow it out to as uniform thickness as possible, (to prevent cracking when I later fire it to 2250 degrees). The opening is then closed again, and further detail is added as it continues to dry. I do not use any traditional armatures inside the sculpture, preferring to use columns of clay to support the most fragile parts of the form as I work. When completely dry, it is fired to 2250 degrees Fahrenheit, making the resulting piece among the strongest of ceramics. Detailed color is applied in a final step, with particular care given to eyes and face to capture the unique personality of the subject , whether wild or beloved pet. Final Note: I do not use any form of "polymer" clay. I do not use Molds of any type. Coming very soon: a demonstration VIDEO | 
