my series of wine women were started one night when I was looking at a wine bottle and thinking the shape looked like a woman's dress, narrow waist and full hips, with a draping skirt. it inspired me to make a sculpture, my first abstract one (everything up til then had been realistic in a classical sense, or anime figures). they were also the first that I didn't have exact plans or sketches for, so the creation of them is more organic; they kind of make themselves, all based on that same wine-bottle shape. I actually use a wine bottle as the basis for the sculpture to keep that consistent form and size, though I do use different bottles to give a slightly different shape and personality to each. the level of detail, too, differs, from very simplistic to indications of features and drape of fabric.

my wine women are made of ladoll clay, which is an air-dry clay with very little shrinkage, and more durable than others I've used, and much better for me to work with, in process and effect, than sculpy or other polymer clay. I apply very thin, almost watery layers of acrylic gel medium to the clay to bind it to the clay, before I start applying colour, also in thin layers. the numerous layers create this dimension of tones, and the layers of gel applied at the beginning and end also help make the clay more durable. however, it is not meant to be cleaned with liquids or used as outdoor décor.

i am in the process of making moulds of originals, so eventually both originals and casts in plaster and concrete will be available, in various (or custom) finishes. concrete casts will be safe for outdoor use. price will vary depending on original, copy ,and finish. contact for details and timeline.

View Shipping & Maker Policies