Fourth Firing

Painting faces is my favorite part of the process...this is when I get to reveal their expressions.
One more firing.

Internal Workings

While the faces are in the kiln I can start building the internal skeleton. I attach carbon steel extension springs to stainless steel bars, add epoxy and let dry for about 3 to 5 days.

I think this is my least favorite part...cutting stainless steel isn't easy.

Back to face painting!

Painted and Fired

The body parts came out perfect! Now I can focus on the faces, hands and feet.

Time to paint

When I paint the body parts I try to keep the color as faint as possible. I want a hint of shadow to show the contours without losing the beautiful white color of the porcelain.

After Firing

I like to inspect the marks in the sand to see how the parts moved while they were shrinking. So far no causalities.

Ready to fire!

Loaded and ready for a 13.5 hour fire.

Three stages of porcelain

New feet

Experimenting with new feet en pointe.