Dragon's Son

Born from my entry to ED Birthday Contest, I so inspired myself to attempt this difficult completely hand built stoneware piece.

Not sure how many pictures I can put in one post so may do several...

My original idea:



The tattoos change almost completely after Japanese 311, I was devastated by the images from the tsunami, and then encouraged by the strength and compassion of the Japanese people in their efforts to recover the lost. I just couldn't help incorporating what I was feeling into my work. Also still dont have pictures of the back pieces, and I realize the joints could be better, but not bad for a first try and having never really seen a BJD in person.

 

Dragon's Son all dressed up and at the show

I made this magnetic Chicken wig, kimono and shoes in 6 hours before drop off at the Toy Show.



On Display at the show, I put him in an ornate oriental altar, and let everyone pick him up/ undress/ reposition him. He was a complete hit, even got a complement from a BJD artist who studied in Japan. So this experience has made me decide to hand build all of my future works instead of pursuing the commercial finish of a slip cast porcelain doll. I'm even a little apprehensive about calling him a doll at all homunculus seems more appropriate or golum or even more simply re positionable sculpture.



Dragon after hes been throughly molested by the Toy Show patrons, its a good thing he vogues like a rockstar no matter what condition he was left in everyone was able to enjoy the experience.

 

Looking for another show to submit this to if anyone hears of calls for artist.

 

He is cone 6 stoneware clay, with 018 china paints, and yes the tattoos are carved. I used a needle tool, stick pin and burnished with an agate knife.

 

Kimono is an altered vintage jacket from thriftstore, chicken wig is hot glue and chinese silkie feathers, shoes were constructed from leather and book board.

 

I still need to get some good pictures of him though. I find it really funny that this guy reads as "naked" instead of "nude", got chewed out by family members when I tried to enter it in a city hall art show. Just wait till they see the next one, African American inspired "Holy Book."

 

Dragon sleeve, back of tsunami washing into an Oni's mouth


Back piece, tsunami sweeping in over houses and schools.

 

I love the asymmetric quality of this piece, although none of his parts are similar they all come together as one composition. His hip joints are a little rough, but considering its my first, as well as he is hand built from stoneware (which can not be assembled until fired).

 

process pics for dragon




I would like to stress that I do not find his asymmetry an issue, the only thing that doesn't quite work on this one is the hip joints which is probably partially due to fitting wet clay to dry joints, there's a shrinkage issue and they got a little small in the end. Symmetry isn't really necessary if there's enough attention to detail and spirit of life in the piece.

 

My good friend Prof Lawrence who is an art historian, specializing in Ancient, commented that "He looks like King Tut" I find that very flattering since I admire the idealization of those old statues which despite their odd anatomy still have a very lifelike quality and soul. I consider every piece created to have a spiritual counter part, this guy is very much alive. =o.O'= lol hope I didnt just get too weird on yall.

 

Thanks Vicky! Since I've gotten another comment on this I'll go ahead and post his professional pics that I've been using for my recent applications.

 

Also Dragon's a boy, I tend to make very feminine boys and as I'm now attempting a female doll she's looking a little man-ish at the moment lol