Howdle Studios

Three panels fired and ready to mount and ready for installation.

2012-08-15T15:57:30Z

Studio work and commission work in process.

2012-07-30T15:34:36Z

General studio production to be readied and fired with commission work.

The commission, one of three for the addition to the Mineral Point city hall.

Starting Cornish Commission for the Mineral Point Library.

2012-05-30T21:14:55Z

Finish and ready to cut down and hollow out.

Working the land with a team of horses and a plow.
Studio drawing for working the clay.

Under ground mining with simple tools.

The National bird of Cornwall the Chough.

Fell Pony ready for installation

2012-04-23T23:48:33Z

The following photos are organizing the three moduals and cleats prior to glueing the 124 pieces that create this image.

Fell Pony and Laxey Church after firing.

2012-02-29T18:55:48Z

Laxey Church being glued on hanging board.

Fell Pony just unloaded with a few pieces in kiln. The number inventory is to the right.

Raven sculpture just before boxing and shipping to VA. Over 24" in

height.

Laxey Church for UW-Platteville Museum.

2011-11-14T14:35:03Z

Cutting down and hollowing fell pony.

2011-11-13T19:33:49Z

Fell Pony 7'wide fire place mantel.

2011-11-11T22:18:35Z

Artist Statement for UW-Platteville Direct Purchase.

2011-05-14T13:01:20Z

These works were selected from gallery pieces that I have produced from personal inspiration.

My works range from pieces made with a half a pound of clay to more than nine tons. I am motivated to express in clay, my interpretation of animals and other living forms in motion. Detail is secondary, with primary emphasis on capturing the spirit of the subject.

I focus on sculpting animals, birds, fish and the human experience. Each piece concentrates on the spirit and the gesture of that subject. I am presently intrigued by making both the undefined silhouette of the mural and the surrounding negative space of the wall important part of the composition.

As I create the image, the surface is dominated by texture and gesture created by the need to be expedient, and by my desire to show traces of the sculpting process that help to communicate the spirit and energy of the figure. I strive for accuracey of the subject with laboring the process.

What I appreciate most about working with clay is the surface spontaneity, which I find especially beneficial because of the need to be expedient in finishing the design before the clay dries. After drying it is fired with a sodium process that melts the clay surface, preserving the mural's design and creating a very durable piece impervious to weather. This process also allows the clay to maintain its natural coloration if desired and to outlast the structure on which it is mounted.

Final image on Concord commission:

2011-04-18T16:11:00Z

Installing the central panel at Concord Rider Transit in NC. Photos were taken by L.J. Weslowski who manages the bus transit system.

General over view of 4 of the 5 panels.