MOO SHU SHIH TZU
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This is a hand-built teapot made of stoneware clay, parts of which are sculpted and others extruded.
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The overview design is that of a Shih Tzu puppy emerging from the noodles within a Chinese take-out container. Handles consist of bamboo-like forms. The lid, located behind the puppy's head, is in the form of a fortune cookie. The spout is the dog's snout.
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Construction sequence: Fired initially to cone 06. Underglazes hand-painted. Surface fabric pattern press molded and air-brushed. Refired to cone 5/6. Gold opalescent overglaze applied. Fired again to cone 017. FInished with overglazes and added Cubic Zirconium. Fimo clay for faux bindings.
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Size: 10.0" x 9.0" x 6.5".
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Date: 2008.
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A commissioned work.
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Sold to a Chicago collector.
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CREATIVE PROCESS
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This hand-built teapot was made of stoneware clay with carved and extruded elements. The dog's head and paws were sculpted. The handle, noodles and bindings were made of extruded clay. Coloration details were air-brushed. Image transfer with press mold was used to decorate the sides of the Chinese take-out vessels. The teapot's lid was formed of a stoneware clay slab fashioned to resemble a fortune cookie.
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The Shih Tzu puppy's head is a carved iife-like portrait of Willow, the beloved pet of the Chicago collector who commissioned the work. The piece was styled after Moo Goo Min Pin at her request. Retaining its original basic design. I modified the form principally with regard to the dog's portrait image and the enhanced crushed appearance of the container; the coloration was changed to provide a deep China red finish to bring out the essence of the piece. The fortune cookie was inscribed commemoratively as "Willow."
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