Love This! Raku Critters

I've always been a sucker for small animal figurines. When I was little, I had a "glass animal collection" that still lives in my room at home, and I can't wait to give it to my daughter (or son!) one day. I'm sure he or she will love those animals just as much as I did. [Not possible. No way in H-E-doublehockeysticks.]

Because of this deep-seated love for little critters, it only makes sense that I'm a big fan of the work of Lisa Schumaier, the grown-up, fine art equivalent of my glass animals from childhood. Schumaier has elevated animal figurines to a completely different level, and has an uncanny ability to imbue her animals with great personality, beauty, and character. 

I recently saw Schumaier's work in person at the Torpedo Factory Art Center, a local studio & gallery space in Alexandria, VA, and simply fell in love (I really wanted to buy a goat and don't know why I didn't). I hope that after viewing the pieces below, you'll understand why I was so drawn to these little critters...

Have you ever seen inanimate objects with such emotion and personality? I most certainly have not. They're hand sculpted and raku-fired (a ceramic technique), and the non-ceramic legs are made of hard cut masonry nails; These are not your average animal figurines.

You can view more of Schumaier's fabulous work on her website, where you can also purchase some of these pieces (they're very affordable!). And if you're local, I definitely recommend visiting her at the Torpedo Factory--you've got to see these little guys in person!

So there you go, your daily dose of whimsy, courtesy of artist Lisa Schumaier. Have a playful day!