My beloved pet (and good friend) Tiger Cat died, leaving his brother and me to mourn our loss. In one way, Tiger has saved the life of his brother, as Hero's checkup at the vet found a hyperactive thyroid for which he now receives medication.
As for Tiger's remains, they are being kept 'on ice' until spring when he will be buried on the farm where he was born. Many of the people that do not own pets may have a difficult time understanding the loss, but I feel I've lost more than just a pet with Tiger's passing. Hopefully the same 'time' that is bringing change will also help to soften this feeling of loss.
Enough of the sad and on with the show...
We recently had one of those very strange days where ice crystals formed on everything outside... it makes for a magical-looking environment, and is always fun to enjoy.
I've been trying to spend time in my basement studio, but it seems difficult to do much there when the weather is so cold. Here is a look at the thermometer in the studio AFTER the heat has been running for several hours. No wonder that clay feels cold!
Notice I'm wearing an insulated vest and there is an electric heater on the floor next to me. Oh, and I'm also wearing long-johns. (No, I'm not going to show you a photo of that!) LOL.
The next photo shows the pieces made from the slab just rolled. They now need to 'set up' for a while so they can be attached to the shell made previously. Once attached, then the whole turtle will need to rest until moisture equalization is reached, upon which a slow drying process can be started until the piece is 'bone dry' and ready for the bisque firing.
More interesting photos of the clay works coming soon! Now to find some of that left-over stir fry and have something to eat... yummy!