home pen and ink drawing clay sculpture mbirafon compact discs contact links site map order information click on sculptures to buy Normally the clay heads are opened, emptied, and then rejoined with 'barbotine' (a thin clay paste made of water and dried clay powder). This process has some inconveniences. First, the clay head may have a disconnection; second, there is a lot of work to be done, with a consequent loss of concentration; third, the clay head may be deformed during the emptying process. I have now overcome these obstacles. Instead of opening and emptying my clay heads, I make two small holes, one vertically from the base up to the head and another horizontally, perforating the ears, to create a T- shaped interior tunnel to keep the item from exploding during kiln-firing. I definitely like this simple technique that confers more weight and solidity on the sculptures. In addition to being convenient, it also allows me to mould the clay heads' shape and expression unintentionally, freely following my momentary inspiration. I try to experiment with different types of clay, although the final result is always influenced by various factors due to firing. I take my clay heads for firing to Paolelli, one of the oldest and most meticulous kilns in Roma, Italy. All my sculptures are finished with natural wax. © 1978-2008 giambattista marcucci