I, a Maine artist, sculpt these oysters, while closely observing a real oyster shell specimen, scavenged in Maine, where I live. I make them hollow and let them air dry overnight. Then when the clay is a bit firmer, they are hollowed out, and textures are refined. The size is 7 inch length by 5 inch width by 2 inch depth. These can rest on a shelf or hang on a wall.

They are first  bisque fired. Then these have been raku fired, using an outdoor kiln. Raku firing involves taking a red hot piece out of a kiln with tongs and placing it in a pile of combustible material such as shredded newspaper or wood shavings. The works are then covered in a metal trash can or pit, causing a reduction firing. Reduction means the oxygen burns up quickly, which pulls special effects out of the glazes, such as crackling or iridescence. Raku is somewhat unpredictable, and it is always a surprise to see what comes out of each firing.

These made in Maine sculptures are captivating both inside and out.