Making my angel wings!

I am sculpting wings that wrap around my torso. Well- they wrap around the torso sculptures I have been working upon. While I was creating in clay-- my co-artist friend Jihoon (waving) suggested I create a pair of wings that wrap around the front of the sculpture. Like a shawl being wrapped around the figure.

So I set off on Friday morning with a pair of angel wings in mind. The design will be influenced by  The Book of Kells. The wings will have the same flavor of design.

I created a shape in paper, cut it out in wax paper, used clay to form the clay wall that acted as a dam for the wax. The wet clay was perfect, the wax was perfect and the bottom part of the pattern for wing one was done.

I used warm water to soften the wax in order to wrap it over the shoulder of the torso. I love the use of warm water, it was a baptism of sorts for the wing. (grinning) I slowly –ever so slightly let the wax form around the shoulder. I have learned to work s-l-o-w with art. To let it become itself with time and patience.

All too many times I have worked late and rushed the material and have it crack or break. I was not going to rush anything with these wax wing beginnings. These wings are coming along fabulously…slowly..being born in THEIR time.

(smiling sigh)

I remember a sermon that Tom Austin gave ages ago, all I can remember is the title being about –earning your wings. (waving to Julie) His words echo in me, his sermons were fabulous- they were intellectual and academic in style. He was a master with weaving spiritual words.

We are ALL very woven together. Who would think that a 13 year old girl would be so influenced –sitting in church- that she would actually remember a sermon written 40 years ago? Divinity…

Indeed!!!