Clay Animal Sculpture

Artist Statement:

This sculpture is of a grey seal. I used clay and sculpted it with a hollow middle. I then baked it after glazing it with a black base. After it was glazed and dried, I scratched off some of the glaze in different patterns, then glazed it over with a clear glaze. I decided to make this seal, because I love seals and thought it would be fun to make a cute little guy. I used the elements and principles of shape, because it is in the shape of a seal; texture, because the parts I scratched and the different shapes create texture; space, because it literally takes up space; movement, because the shapes and forms scratched on seem to move; and pattern, because the scratches are patterned.

This sculpture has the following composition rules/techniques: Informal balance, because it seems like, from the top view, that he is slightly even; and grouping, because the shapes and designs on his back are grouped. Originally, I was going to create a penguin for this project, but then decided to swith to a seal because it seemed like it would turn out cuter. I stuck with the arctic theme though. I originally didn't have the seaweed design, but added it when I thought the top was plain.

The meaning of this piece is that I think seals are cute and I wanted to make a little chubby character. It relates to my life, because I love animals, and this was just fun to make. I really enjoyed it. If I could make it any stronger, I would clean up the edges and make it more sharp.