When Robert receives the client's approval on the scale drawing he made for their project, a full size rough sketch is made to transfer to the clay.
Robert then starts the sculpting of the clay, as shown with this small sample he is working on. However, for a client's job, the work is done on clay the full size of the finished piece. This may be for a fireplace surround, a kitchen back splash, a shower surround, a mural for a pool area or whatever the client desires. This is a slow process with attention to detail and realism. When the sculpting is finished, it is then cut up into workable sizes and air-dried.
When the tiles have cooled, two coats of clear glaze are applied. Robert then returns the tiles to the kiln for the third time at a temperature of about 2400 degrees. This firing brings out the true colors of the underglaze and the clear glaze gives the completed tiles a protective finish. The process for a sink is the same as tiles, but remain as one piece.
The sample tile Robert has been working on is now completed. Finished work for a client would be sent to the installation site. On large projects, the client can make arrangements with Robert to install the tiles.
Two coats of the various underglaze are painted on. This is a time consuming process.
Some areas are airbrushed with underglaze to give them highlights or shadows. This process adds more realism to the sculpture.
After all the many colors of the underglaze have been applied, the tiles are slow fired for the second time to permanently adhere the underglaze to the bisque ware.
SAMPLE WORK ON THE NEXT PAGE
SCUPTING PROCESS