Well, I decided to make a dragonfly. Associated with change, transformation, adaptability and self-realisation, these insects are some of the fastest insects on earth reaching speeds of 50km. Fierce predators, they can hover, fly sideways, upside down, backwards and spin 360 degrees on axis. Awesome critters!

I also had a fear of turning out something that looks tacky like butterflies on houses in the 70’s, along with flamingos on the front lawn. (Apparently kitsch is cool but tacky is not so if you love this look clearly, you’re into kitsch and not tacky art). I also did not want to make ‘pretty art’, so a bit of a challenge to get a feel I was satisfied with.

As I was putting the frame together, twisting wire for the body, legs and more delicate wings, the wire kept slipping and moving. I suddenly realised I should be soldering to tack this into place! I can’t believe I hadn’t thought of it before when making some of my more delicate pieces.

I decided a more fantasy style would be better, freeing me up from needing to follow anatomical rules of shape and proportion.

When using the clay, I flattened it out really thin over the wire in the wings so hopefully when the light catches it just right the translucency of the clay will show through. As I was making it I was also thinking about some interference paint for a bit of a shimmer.

I got to use some of my favorite colors, deep Prussian blue and rich turquoise.

I went for a scale-like effect on the body to add a little bit of a prehistoric look, painted with dark colors underneath and brushed over with lighter color and the interference paint, which came out quite dramatic on the darker colors. When the wings are backlit there is some translucency as I had hoped.

I love the shadows patterns on the wall.

Love the shadows on the wall, might have to make another!