I was asked if I would like to create a few hanging pieces for a space at the Otago Art Society gallery to celebrate the Year of the Dragon. Right up my alley! Previously I have made dragons from papier Mache, wire, cloth and glue. I wondered if the more flexible air-dry clay I’m working with currently would be up to the task. Nothing like a good wondering to get inspired!

I made the wings separate then joined them to the body

With the first dragon, I made the wings separately and joined them to the body, a bit of work thinking around how to allow for the wingspan and what thickness of wire to allow for the weight. The clay has a fair bit of flex but I figured there would be a bit of pressure where the wings join to the body.

For the wing covering I used thinly rolled out clay, allowing holes to develop.

Made a row of spikes and ‘flowers’ down the back.

The first dragon had quite a big wingspan and they drooped a bit much. I fixed this by adding another point to hang from further along the wings.

The wings drooped a bit low, so I need to make another hanging point further out.

I thought I’d make another couple of different sizes, loved how the wings had a really leathery look to them. One thing I did discover was that it’s really hard to get a good photograph as they’re all odd angles and quite thin and long.

Drangon 2, hard to get a good shot, lots of awkward angles.

It was an overcast day, so they made quite a dramatic silhouette against the sky.