The Making Process of My Handmade Ceramic Creatures

Each of my ceramic fish and whales begins with a simple lump of clay. From there, the transformation into a unique ocean-inspired sculpture begins.

1. Rolling the Clay

I start by rolling the clay into a smooth, even slab. This step is the foundation of every piece, giving me the flexibility to shape and cut out the forms I envision.

2. Handbuilding and Shaping

Using handbuilding techniques, I carefully shape each fish or whale by hand. every curve, fin, and detail is formed individually. This makes every creature one of a kind, with its own personality and character.

3. Drying

Once shaped, the pieces must dry completely. This process takes several days and requires patience. The clay needs to become completely dry before it can be fired, ensuring that no cracks form in the kiln.

4. First Firing – The Bisque Fire

The dried sculptures are placed in the kiln for the first firing, called the bisque fire, at around 950°C (1740°F). This turns the fragile clay into a solid, porous ceramic body that can be handled and glazed.

5. Glazing

After the bisque firing, I apply glazes by hand — sometimes dipping, sometimes brushing or pouring— to add color, depth, and texture. The glazes bring each fish or whale to life, highlighting their ocean-inspired details.

6. Second Firing – The Glaze Fire

The glazed pieces are fired again, this time at a higher temperature of about 1250°C (2280°F). During this stage, the glaze melts and fuses to the surface, creating a vibrant, glossy finish and making the ceramics durable and water-resistant. Since each piece is fired twice, bisque and glaze firing, it spends approximately 95 hours in the kiln.

7. Finishing Touches

After cooling, each sculpture is gently cleaned and checked. Every fish and whale is unique — shaped by hand, by fire, and by a love for the sea.