Woodland Creatures 2018 Series

Have you every had life lead you in a direction that you may decide to ignore and a persistent urge keeps edging you back a little harder each time?  

I was 16 years old in high school, when I made my first clay sculpture, it was an owl about 12" tall and it won best of show.  Many years have passed since that first sculpture, so getting back to this type of work was a welcomed adventure.  Especially since my first experience worked out so well.  Since I picked back up on making pottery, I've dabbled over the years making snails, hedgehogs and bunnies, occasionally adding new creature.  

At the beginning of the year, I decided to set a goal to dedicate a block of time to expand my skills making sculptures. This journey began in May when I dedicated three weeks to making just sculptures.  Since snails, hedgehogs and bunnies were familiar forms, I started making them first.  Once I got started everything fell into place and The Tortoise and the Hare was made along with other bunny scenes. 

The Lion and the Mouse came next. 

Late in the day a new idea of a tea party with a bunny, cat, turtle and frog came to be.  This is one of my favorites.

Each afternoon I would turn the parts I would need for my next days projects. The ideas just flowed in and I worked each day as long as I could standup.   

In the evenings I would search for storybooks to pair with my sculptures.  I came across a book about a hedgehog and the next day I made hedgehogs with mushrooms.  Many of my sculptures where made before I found books which made the search for books difficult, especially when you prefer to purchase a hardcover book. 

Week three came fast, it was so hard to stop and turn off the creative ideas that were coming to me faster than I could produce sculptures. I was running low on inventory in the sales shop and functional work needed to be made.  I felt forced to stop.

Making these sculptures was so much fun and really felt like play, which made my functional work all of a sudden seem like detention hall.  I can't wait until my next devoted sculpture time slot.  

This has been an unbelievable journey for me and I have enjoyed every minute.  

You're invited to an exclusive sculpture show here at Thomas Pottery.  Bobbie has created over 45 sculptures of woodland creatures in this 2018 series. Come see how she has combined her creativity of sculptural art and literture.  Read about the journey of a box turtle in the Grand Canyon, find out what Mrs. Hare's juicy secret is, or why hedgehogs need hugs.  All storybooks are beautifully illustrated and written by talented individuals and are included in the purchase of the sculpture.

Saturday, September 15th Reception & Preview 9:00 - 10:30 Sculpture Sales 10:45 - 5:00 Sunday, September 16th  11:00 - 4:00 On-line Preview Sept. 1st - 15th thomaspottery.com/sculptures Purchase On-line Monday, Sept.17th