FALCONS

Technically we don't see falcons as night birds, but since they hunt in the early morning I am doing some raptors for the Fall 2026 Nocturnal show. I have designed 20 pieces for this show and hope I can do a few more. Had to start somewhere! 
I made a falcon and an owl over the winter to test the NZ porcelain in larger sculptures. They are well on the way, fired and ready for paint. This porcelain shrinks considerably and vitrifies at 06. But it doesnt like to be used in sculptures over 10in.
The flower elements are drying for next months firings. Each animal/bird piece will have a wreath like 'portal' of sorts around it. Though hundreds of components are ready, I have hundreds more to make. I ordered additional flower molds among them: jasmine, petunias, dogwood, mini roses.
​I am posting quick videos on instagram of the process: @mysticglenstudio.

 FLORAL SCULPTURE
For many years I have wanted to just have fun arranging my handsculpted flowers but havent taken the time to do it. So after I dropped off my work in the Creature Comforts group show at CEG....I took a month to start 5 floral sculptures. I should be getting the numerous sculptures ready for a Nocturnal show later in 2026 but couldnt help but stray from the schedule.

With so many flower pieces created over the winter I have a big selection to choose from. Ranunculus, peonies, anenomes, poppy, blackberries, apple blossoms, acorns, pears, cherries, snowberries, blackberries, mulberries, rugosa roses, lithanthius and more. Foliage in ivy, poppy leaves, branches, geraniums, clover and more. And of course I will have to add insects: bees, flies, snails, spiders, butterflies, moths, yellow jackets....

TRADITIONAL PORCELAIN FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS
For hundreds of years there have been elaborate floral sculptures. I posted the one below as an extreme example of a porcelain one. I cannot imagine how much work this one was!
Unlike nowadays with international shipping I do think they used floral sculptures in lieu of actual flowers in winter. It allowed one to mix flowers from areas far away or unavailable in one bouquet. I like that aspect for my own work as well. And adding things like fruit, cocoons, and flying insects!

BACK TO MY OWN ATTEMPT AT FLORAL ARANGING IN PORCELAIN... I researched shapes I like for vases and then carefully selected a few samples in antique stores last month. I adore the one to the left. A jardiniere of sorts. So I started with that one as inspiration.
The first sculpture is started! You can see in the pic farther below- just the copper pieces braised together, at about 170 pieces so far.