“Shelby”
inspiration
Shortly after our sweet, elder rescue dog, Shelby passed away in 2017 (my husband and I are in the habit of adopting old, “used” dogs), I had the great fortune to take my first sculpting class from Susan Norris in Santa Fe at Sorrel Sky Gallery. Throughout the two day class, Shelby watched me from a photo pinned to my work station. Her little face kept an eye on me as her form took shape.
technique
Our six-student class started creating our various dog friends by learning to make wire armatures, then adding natural New Mexico clay, kept warm under a heat lamp. The soft clay is a joy to work with; it’s so easy to move and sculpt. First I molded her basic shape, then using various sculpting tools, I added her face and textured fur. When I create animals, it’s fun to give them eyes so they can watch me as I make them. It can get a bit spooky.
I was so enamored with this 3D version of my little friend, my first sculpture ever, I thought “I can do this!” and have been playing with various types of clay ever since.
materials
Wire armature and New Mexico Clay
Dimensions for this piece: 7”H x 11”W x 8”D
