Another Pottery Sample

Stoneware Jar with decorative lid 

More Ceramics

A recent jar (11" tall)
 

Aphrodite II

From a series of ceramic works
sculptured from life in November & December 2006 

More Work in various media

Bird Goddess, stoneware & Oxides
This piece is one of a series of goddess sculptures. It draws its inspiration from Paleolithic goddesses of Old Europe & the rich symbolism that accompanied the worship of the Great Mother. Fertility & transformation were common themes; masks, horns, serpents, (water)birds, the moon all had sacred meaning. 

Calligraphy/Ink Wash (detail)
Tao Te Ching

Drawing 

Blind embossment on Arches paper

An art sampler

This collage is composed of images from various media in which I like to work: drawing, Sumi-e (ink wash) painting, calligraphy, printmaking (in this case blind embossment), pottery and sculpture. A bit of a sampler. 

Recent work in Ceramics

Stoneware cups with sgraffito designs  

Bull sculpture

This ceramic bull, not yet showing its final patina, is made of Paperclay, a newly developed material of unique properties. The admixture of paper cellulose into normal clay provides increased strength, a longer "working window" and lightness once the clay is fired and the cellulose is burned out.
I'm finding it a wonderful material which extends the range of sculptural possibilities. Ordinarily, horns this fine (in relation to the body) would be nearly impossible to survive the temperature ranges of the firing.

Comments on these Photos of the Recent Work in France

These images give a quick overview of some of this summer's progress.
It is the fruit of much loving skill from many sources: from Frederick with his endless energy and talents in wood & metal & stone, to Jane Dunleavy, who guided Bonnie and me in limewashing, to Luc, her husband who offered one morning to give a hand chiseling off the old stucco and stayed until the entire facade was laid bare! To Simon and his crew of masons for whom blazing sun is no deterent, to our son, Brook who burned up the highway from Canne to help me clean and re-varnish all the upstairs beams, watch the soccer semi-finals, then race back to catch his flight to New York! To our godson, Daniel, who, passing through, helped build kitchen drawers. It is a testament to the many kindness of friends and attentive forebearance on the part of neighbors, who took the billowing dust and noise at all hours in stride.
We now have all the major systems and the heavy lifting completed: New roof, all the walls redone, the electrical and plumbing installed, both floors completed...upstairs in tongue-in-groove oak, downstairs in seamless cement with a soft mottled grey patina. By the end of August, the terrace and elevated walkways to the terrace along with the stairs down into the garden will be faced with dressed white stone. (This is the first time I've had work done in my absence.) ((March '07: As of this date the stonework, promised in August, then in November, has yet to be installed--so much for "having work done in my absence"!! Still, I return to the job site in May, so it will get done.))
Next summer we can complete miscellaneous carpentry and details of finishing with paint and varnish. I estimate a couple of weeks before we can move in. Once in we can address the details of terrace benches, welding hand rails and grape arbor, as well as landscaping at our leisure.
With these done, Bonnie and I will have achieved our dream of a summer refuge in France.
Brace yourselves then for ad nauseum pictures of this delightful region, reports on its wines and cuisine, its remarkable people and countryside, and tales of unrepentant hedonism!

Stairs from Terrace to Garden

Stone stairs with walkway, atelier supports, view of the Gorge of the Aveyron river from new terrace 

Atelier and Roof Terrace

Stone walls completed, roof and walkway supports in place, concrete poured, ready for stone facing and built-in benches, railings, and, utimately, a grape arbor over the top for fruit and summer shade.

Making & Installing New Oak Front Door

Frederick cutting planks, routing, fitting mortice & tenons, framing and hanging the finished doors, with a little help. Finally, the finished doors with a touch of varnish, awaiting glass panels.

Limewashing the New Facade

Adding the original "outre-mer" blue in two coats
 

Removing Old Facade; Renewing Chaux (stucco)

Apology

My apologies for the delay in posting the promised photographs, it is an unexpected challenge, interrupted by life's vital flotsam. Try back in a few days. Best, Bruce