Abstract clay Model

This is a series of clay abstract shoe models inspired by Tony Cragg but also elements of Salvador Dali. The early forms series by Tony Cragg where my main inspiration for this piece. However I decided to make this piece in a slightly different way. I made the piece out of clay and then proceeded to roll the clay out until flat and then Created these intricate folds. trying not to rip the clay and having to start again.

The main challenge with this piece was to make it stand up on its own, which was a true challenge for me. Being made from clay instead of a bronze casting process like the Tony Cragg piece, the clay would just lose its shape instantly if too wet, but if too dry it would crack and snap; so in between modeling I would let the clay dry out for 20 minutes at a time then I can manipulate further so it can maintain a stronger shape but as soon as cracks formed apply small amounts of water and almost feeding it to the clay and this was a true test of trail and error finding the perfect times and learning how the clay reacts to then use; This trial and error was particularly important as I am not very experienced in clay so there was alot to learn and adapt but after understanding these fundamentals of the material then I proceeded to apply my knowledge to the piece. This worked out perfect, finally the piece was holding its shape and it was time to completely leave it out to dry and then dipping it in the glaze and firing it up in the kiln. I did this to gain its smooth texture like the bronze Tony Cragg piece but with a twist, as the glaze was fired it created this smooth but doted texture over the piece which was super interesting and added another layer of personality to the final piece, looking as if it was alive/ breathing.