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The Walking Bird
The Walking Bird
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The Walking Bird

€75.00

Celtic Mask – Jerpoint Abbey:

Embodying the grace and elegance of a walking bird, this Celtic mask is a nod to the architectural marvel of Jerpoint Abbey, skillfully designed to showcase the intricacy of Irish craftsmanship and culture.

Size:
Height – 15cm
Width – 28cm

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Description

The Walking Bird of Jerpoint – an enchanting ceramic creation inspired by the delightful bird figures found at Jerpoint Abbey, a historic site located in County Kilkenny, Ireland. This statue captures the lively spirit of the walking bird, meticulously crafted with intricate details and textures that honor Ireland’s rich artistic traditions.

Masterfully designed by the acclaimed Irish potter, Julia Fink, this piece showcases her exceptional artistry and commitment to preserving Ireland’s cultural heritage. From the delicate curvature of the bird’s wings to the fine details of its beak and feathers, The Walking Bird of Jerpoint embodies the essence of Ireland’s vibrant artistic legacy and brings a touch of whimsy to any setting.

Whether you are a collector of fine ceramics, a lover of Irish culture, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of handcrafted pottery, The Walking Bird of Jerpoint is a delightful addition to your collection. Displayed in a cherished spot in your home or garden, this piece serves as a constant reminder of the joy and wonder of Ireland’s artistic heritage.

Making one mask is a long process and can take up to 2 weeks. I use stoneware clay which means that the clay is fired at a much higher temperature than earthenware which makes it frost safe.

The first step is to sculpt the head itself which is the used to make a plaster mold. This plaster mold then is used to press the clay into and produce the different types of heads.

The clay is then pressed into the mold and left in the mold for 24 hours until some of the moisture is absorbed and it becomes easier to loosen the clay head from the mold.

The clay heads then need to dry for up to a week. When completely dry they are sanded around the edges and loaded into the kiln for their bisque fire, which takes up to 14 hours. This is a firing that heats the heads to 1000°C. The kiln then takes almost 2 days to cool down so that the door can be opened.

If the door is opened beforehand thermal shock occurs and the clay pieces may crack. After this the heads are no longer brittle and are highly moisture absorbent. This is when the pieces are glazed and returned to the kiln for the second firing called the glaze fire. This also takes between 11 and 14 hours and the kiln take almost 2 days to cool down before the door can be opened and the finished pieces can be admired.

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