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I was inspired to capture the emotions of this man onto clay by witnessing his energy, devotion and spiritual dedication during davening. This figurine represents the shul's president, and was crafted in stoneware clay and molded and crafted by hand. He is wearing a kippah and tallis. After modeling his form, the clay was fired in a hot kiln. The next process was preparing the figurine for a saggar firing. The figurine was polished with a glass stone to smooth out any roughness. It was then gently placed in a "saggar"...a portal made of clay with a tight fitting lid. Inside this saggar were placed sea weed hand picked from the ocean, salt soaked driftwood, fruits, copper metal, sea salt, and a variety of other organic materials created by Hashem. The lid to the saggar was tightly closed with wet clay and a second firing was performed. Carbon and organic materials burned to reduction [no oxygen] and bonded to the clay....resulting in a one-of-a kind colors ranging from shades of orange, brown to blacks. The saggar was then opened and the figurine allowed to cool.
Closeup of features #1 minyan $300
This figurine had motivated my spiritual creativeness while being witness to the Cantor's performance of blowing the shofar. His strength, devotion and love for Hashem inspired in me the making of this piece. My goal was to capture these emotions onto clay and create figurines depicting spiritual exploration -- a clay kittel of their heart and soul.
Like the figurine above, both were fired in a saggar pot and developed one of a kind colors from a reduction atmosphere which lacked oxygen during the firing. The fumes of carbon, copper, sea salt and other organic materials bonded to the clay which resulted in the beautiful shades of color you see above.
# 2 minyan $300 closeup of features
Each piece is an unique Jewish folk art collectible. Feel free to contact me regarding purchase at: Susan Dolin claykittels@hotmail.com