Unleashing the Ceramic Animal

I had to; there was no help for it. I had to go looking for ceramic animals today.

I've been thinking about doing a sculpture of my dog, Rainier. As a half basset, half husky, she has an unusual physique, as well as a wonderful, individualistic personality. That started a train of thought.... What have other mudslingers done to commemorate the love they have for animals by using the love they have for clay?

As I began looking about, I really hadn't considered that I have an internal definition of "ceramic animal" already in place. My expectation is one born out of my own style -- funny, whimsical, and rather loosely modeled animals. Animals such as the ones Sumati and Michael Colpitts produce (look here). I love the happiness sparking out of these ceramic faces!

But then I ran across the quiet celadon dignity of Thatsanee and Ramphan's Javan Rhino. A much different style, as I'm sure you will notice. Then there is the drastically different (both in technique and in style) birds by Sian Alexander that I found here. I especially like how the dark, smoked areas are used as such an effective foil to the glazes in these raku animals! Then, if that weren't enough, I ran into this Scary Guppie by the artist known as happylake!

I love pushing the boundaries, especially when I didn't even realize I inadvertently had some. I hope you've enjoyed the ride along with me!