The production process

The production process is outlined below, giving some idea of the time and skill involved in making a highly detailed one-off ceramic sculpture, from conception to completion.

Modelling

Hand-modelled basic clay shape of Jack Russell dog, using photos as a guide	Refining the sculpture, putting on clay collar
Fine hair detail on sculpture	Finished clay sculpture, ready for moulding

Mould Making

Dissected clay sculpture ready for moulding	Pouring plaster onto section of dog's body
Pour complete. This is the first piece of a 4 piece mould of the dog's body.	Pouring plaster onto dog's head. This will be a 2 piece mould.

Casting/Assembling and Firing

Recreation of the original sculpture. Wet, hollow clay pieces that have been cast from the finished plaster moulds.	Assembling the clay casts using slip (liquid clay) to join the pieces. Once assembled, the dog is left to dry for a few days prior to bisq firing in the kiln to 1050c.

Painting

Applying base colour to bisq fired dog using a fine airbrush. The airbrush is a great tool for obtaining a soft natural look.	Airbrushing finished, now is the time to hand-paint the fine eye details.
Applying lacquer using the airbrush. This accentuates the colour and gives the sculpture a permanent, natural finish.	Finally, the beautiful study is assembled on a wooden plinth with a commemorative gold plaque.
See how real and natural she looks.	Molly has pride of place in the cabinet, along with photos.

Other pieces in clay stage, prior to firing

Hagar the German Shepherd. Note the fine hair detail.	Pair of courting wrens in cut-away vase.
A special commission of a Wedgetail Eagle checking out rabbits.	Prototype of Dharma the Newfoundland.
Greyhound study. John has chosen not to put the fine hair detail on this dog, with the emphasis being on the muscle structure.