Clay sculpture is one very common and widespread form of sculpture. In all cultures there is such a form of art like clay sculpture but there are cultures and countries in which clay sculpture is typical. For example clay, and consequently clay sculpture, is essential to the Indian culture. It was in the past and still is now. In India clay sculpture is available, accessible and affordable everywhere since it is done with very little effort and the fact that is so fragile, makes it necessary to renew it all the time.

 

In India and everywhere else where it is done, clay sculpture is a medium through which the individualís as well as the whole peopl, where is the case, thoughts and emotions are expressed and circulated. No matter in what culture they are made, no matter whether they are clay sculpture items or other types of clay creations, the styles and shapes differ greatly. Both fired and unfired clay sculpture items come in amazingly numerous and various shapes. When you produce clay sculpture pieces of art you do not have to follow certain sizes and patterns but let your imagination and creativity to roam freely and come up with new and beautiful ideas to put into clay for the others to see what you were thinking.

Generally items made within the clay sculpture perimeter vary from tiny little statues meant as collectibles to huge creations meant for display and decorating large areas, like public places (gardens, parks, etc). The themes present in clay sculpture are as varied as there are things, people, animals and plants around us. Thus, sculptors have created clay sculpture items depicting humans, human heads or busts, animals, plants, birds, fantastic creatures, scenes from every day life, etc. The beauty of a well-made clay sculpture , irrespective of its outdoor or indoor settings, is preserved through many decades, even generations, particularly with a material like stoneware clay that has a well-established record of durability. Actually some of the oldest sculptures on earth are made of clay.

Just think of the Terracotta Army that was buried with the Emperor of Qin (Qin Shi Huangdi) in 210-209 BC or the Minoan Snake Goddess c. 1600 BC. Although in time the use of clay in sculpting, has had ups and downs, it is still used nowadays to create wonderful clay sculpture items for decorative purposes. If in the past clay was mostly molded into functional items like plates, mugs or pots, nowadays it is molded in a myriad of patterns and styles just for the sake of art.

Posted by Phillipe / Home Sculptures