Creating of the Dragon
The window portrays a quiet, gloomy mirror of green spotted by dark towering trees. A sudden crack of lightning has brought me upright from a sound sleep, pulling me toward the outdoor scene. An extended roar of thunder vibrates beneath my feet and then, in a split second, but also an eternity, I see it.
Illuminated by the artificial glow of yet another extended, splintering strike of lightning lurks the creature. Standing frozen, ears ringing, mouth dry; my mind does not want to register the dark green dragon as it looms in the dark, staring right at me.
My feet finally tingle and move and I race back to my safe bed, under the covers. Please be a dream, please be a dream. I chant until exhaustion slowly leads me back to unconsciousness.
Was it a fallacy, a trick of a tired, overworked mind or was it a reminder of a magical time, ruled by dragons and the fact that maybe, just maybe, they never really left?
Let us follow Anna T. Fisher in her demonstration and the process in creating a dragon artwork. The following parts are needed to create your Dragon: (1) large fist size ball of clay; (2) wooden clay tools; (3) wire cutters; (4) drinking straw; and (5) spray bottle for water.
A – Wedge and knead clay to remove bubbles. Slice the ball to check for air bubbles.
B – Use one-half of the ball to form the body and tail (Fig. 1) by forming the clay into the shape of a pear, and then make a flat base.
C – Pull and curve for the tail as shown in (Fig 2).
D – Pinch up the back to form the vertical back and tail scales.
1- Make two coils about the thickness of a little finger and 1 1/2 inches in length.
2- Bend at an angle to form the knee and flatten with the thumb at the end of the coil to form the foot.
3- Attach these close to the base by the tail using the “slip-scour” method. (scratch lines on surfaces to be attached and spray with water.)
Repeat this step for the arms which need to be longer to touch the ground level and then attach to the rear legs. (Fig 3)
E – With another thicker coil, form the neck and head. (Fig 4) and attach using the “Slip-Scour” method. Squeeze the clay to form the face, nose and mouth. Then attach ears, eyes, teeth and horns to your liking.
F – Use the straw to form scales. Separate clay to form toes on feet. Draw lines under belly to form chest plates.
G – Wings can be added. Paint, glaze and decorate to your creative satisfaction.
Editor’s note: Born and raised England, Anna T. Fisher is a professional clay artist who has won many awards for her art. Interested collectors, including centers seeking adult and children instruction, call 419.738.2129.
Joan Crawford Barnes
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Ah! dear Anna – I have been in one of Anna’s classes here in my studio with my students for an afternoon workshop! What a treat that was for not only my students, but for me as well. We loved the above clay project, as each of the students had their own dragon. Mine is still sitting in my studio – I’m quite proud of it! Each time I look at it, I remember that day with joy! The students who attended that workshop, some of them are still my students, speak of that Saturday morning with happy memories and thoughts of a great Saturday with Anna!