Ceramic Sculpture - Calypso Sculpture

Classical Greek Art, Literature, History, Myths and Legends and the many traditions of Ancient Greece have always fascinated me. Ancient Greek vases and the wonderful collection in the British Museum in London give great enjoyment and suggest endless opportunities for creativity. They depict fabulous stories of Gods, heroes and many characters and the adventures they undergo exploring universal themes just as relevant today. Calypso is a good example. A beautiful nymph in Greek mythology, who lived on the island of Ogygia (the navel of the sea). In Homer’s Odyssey, she detained Odysseus for seven years and offers him immortality to become her husband. Calypso enchants Odysseus with her singing and entertainment, but Odysseus can no longer bear being separated from his wife Penelope. Eventually Zeus orders Calypso to release Odysseus. She eventually agrees, sending Odysseus on his way after providing him with wine, bread, and the materials for a raft. I just love these wonderful stories. The sculptures are made with a direct honesty to the nature of the material. Clay is a wonderful material that can be pulled, squashed, shaped and squeezed. It takes an impression like no other material and, being a basic "earth" material, it is a joy to work with. Natural and manufactured objects are used to make impressions and produce strong textures. The work shows the way as it progresses into a finished piece. The hand becomes as important as the eye and the mind. The nature of the clay and the design means there are lumps and bumps and various marks. This rugged affect is all part of the charm of the work. I use white stoneware clay and make using slab and coil building techniques. The work is then fired twice in an electric kiln, the second firing to over 1200c. Decorated with oxides, engobes and glazes. Lovely to hold – they have a great “feel” about them. Each piece is hand built and totally unique. Suitable for interior and exterior locations. Signed underneath with my signature stamp. Certificate of Authenticity included. Any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch.