Relief Portrait: Abigail

Leading Centre College's study abroad in London last Spring was amazing. I learned and taught a ton, but also got to spend hours admiring London's art collections and gathering years-worth of future inspiration.

After indulging in the V&A's sculpture gallery on a number of occasions, I knew there would be a few future pieces that would come from my visits.

As a father of three beautiful girls, I planned on using Jon Bower's portrait of his daughter to help pay them tribute.

After final exams finished last week, I finally made time to put my hands back into clay.

Renaissance Women II

After a long hiatus in London, which offered its own inspiration in the way of Botticelli exhibits at the V & A, I returned to Kentucky to finish the first tile in relief, a detail of Mary from the Cestello Annunciation.

With some advice from a colleague and master ceramist, Judith Jia, I decided to experiment with oil paints on fired clay.  It produced a stunningly bright and velvety texture to the relief.  I'll be using it on the remaining tiles.

I then spent some time selecting the right gilded frame to give the proper Italianate feel, and ecco!

I can't wait to begin the next elegant Madonna.