Terri Russell- Harp Seal Sculpture

This harp seal pup is a clay sculpture. Over the years I have done several Harp Seals. Each one hand formed, a unique individual. One of a kind. Finished with crackle glaze in a Raku process of firing. 

5"h x 7"d x 12"l

I remember the Harp Seal pups as one of the earliest of wildlife to grab the headlines and create protests based on the brutal slaughter of them at their most vulnerable. I was a child as I watched these events unfold. I believe the outcry did make a difference with regards to hunting baby Harp Seals. Today one of the greatest risks they face is the melting ice. They are only with mom for the first 12 days. They need the ice for six more weeks to learn how to swim and hunt. When ice melts before the pups are ready to enter the water entire nurseries of pups can be lost.

50% of the proceeds from this sculpture will be donated to the Ocean Conservancy to support their work for marine life conservation.  To learn more about their work please visit http://oceanconservancy.org

About the Artist:

I did not grow up with computers or smart phones or social media. The outdoor world was my playground. Most of my time was spent outdoors. I am so thankful for this. I was free to run through the meadows, woods and creeks. Watching and learning about natures patterns, the stories that the many lives have to share. I drank it in. Early on, art: doodling, pen and ink, pastel, crayon, painting and more, was my way of journaling. Books and reading were a delight. I read all I could about the creatures and plants our world shares with us. Imagination allowed me to go anywhere in the world to share in the stories that nature told. It was my world. The tech world for me is the strange new world. The wild world is my safe haven. A place of discovery, parables and life lessons. Terry Aikens, my high school art teacher, introduced me to ceramics. Hand building with clay. As my hands touched the clay it was electric, magic. Love at first touch. I discovered the direction my art would focus on. Terry challenged me to pursue excellence in craftsmanship and clay making, firing, and other important techniques. Terry was my mentor and a blessing to my life.

My artwork, then and now, is a celebration of nature and the patterns found there. The world around me is rich with artistic themes. No limits. From simple to complex designs. Naturalistic and abstract. Light and shadow. Color, texture and form. Content and substance. I want to include it all, any medium, any approach without limitation. My way of journaling includes an expression of gratitude for the beauty and wonder of the natural world. I hope my work welcomes you to share in my celebration of life.

 To see more of Terri's work be sure to follow on Instagram @trussellartwork