19 March 2010

available to order


for as long as I can remember swallows have been a symbol of the return of spring. since I was a little girl I liked to imagine them to be the carriers of the warm weather brought from far away, exotic places where they had spent the winter months. it was the time for lighter, country filled flower days which would roll into sunny and hot summer days.

I made these simple porcelain swallows, or andorinhas in portuguese, inspired by traditional ceramic black, quite realistic swallows we used to have hanging outside the entrance door in our house when I was very young. it was common to find them in households throughout the country in those days. there was a belief they would bring protection to the home and those living inside.

my version of small porcelain swallows are now available to order from the shop.
they are individually made from creamy white slip cast porcelain using plaster molds I made myself and are then hand finished with a clear glaze on top and left with the smooth touch of polished porcelain underneath. they carry a little hole so you can display them on a wall next to your favourite paintings and prints or even around a lovely mirror. they can also be placed on a little wooden stick and live among your cherished plants.
they love to live in groups instead of being just one. 
click on images for detail