Horse: An Epic Tale of Love
Sculpting in Fine Silver Clay for My Equestrian Passion.
“Epic Love”, hand sculpted fine silver horse portrait pendant jewelry in progress. © Renee Fukumoto. Finished now ~ see below!
I had a dream since childhood dream of having a horse. Of having a magical connection with a singular horse.
Dreams become reality sometimes. For a person obsessed with horses, the dream of owning their very own can seem unobtainable and distant. Yet this dream too can come to fruition through focused effort.
I’ve been blessed to own two horses in my life. My second horse, Remi, is currently living the life of retired riding horse, though he started his life as a Standardbred Pacer and raced for his living. He did well on the track and I’d say even better as my special companion and riding buddy. He came to own me, seeing me as his own person and I am deeply grateful for this connection.
I’ve been creating horse art in one media and form or another since I was a child. I’ve always been fascinated by their dynamic energy, their expressiveness, power and gentleness that ebb and flow. Somehow they transcend my earth-bound body and fly, though they have no wings.
I started this rather weighty silver sculpture (18+ grams!) a few years ago. At the time I thought I was actually going to quit making jewelry in silver and so I used up a huge piece of precious metal clay. And then I set it aside. I chickened out on firing it and life got very busy. It languished, getting broken by my cat stepping on it before I tucked it away in a drawer.
Broken but all is not lost! “Epic Love” horse sculpture in fine silver metal clay. © Renee Fukumoto
Then I realized I needed to complete it. I needed the process (I love the process!). I also needed the closure of firing it, letting it undergo the transformation required to become silver sculpture, wearable art.
I’m so grateful for my family's encouragement to finish this project. And you know what? Its helped me become even clearer on what I love to do, what I feel called to.
As this piece transformed into shiny silver then darkened with the patina process then transformed again as I revealed the shine by polishing I fell in love again with the entire process and the subject!
This wild spirited horse portrait has been mended, refined and can be literally lit on fire in my small Ultralite Kiln!
Shimmer and shadow. Passion and Peace. Wild and Tame.
“Epic Love”, hand sculpted fine silver horse portrait pendant jewelry, © Renee Fukumoto 2023. Available soon!
Its just the beginning of a path I feel called to follow. Sculpture, small and large, in a variety of media satisfies something in me on a visceral level that painting and drawing has only touched on the surface.
Its a bit frightening. Precious metals are expensive. The sculpting and firing process can be slow and uncertain. And other than me and my own tastes who would love these pieces enough to invest in them? How do I communicate my love for these pieces, my belief in their value and the stories they tell? What media will help me explore the stories and feelings I seek to convey?
That's the hard part! Finding the right homes for my work.
Is this too a leap of faith? I suppose to a degree it is always a leap of faith to try to blaze your own trail instead of follow a well worn path. It wouldn't be an adventure in exploration otherwise.
I plan to list my new pieces in my shop soon. Sometime in January I expect. Stay tuned if you're interested and thanks for joining me on my studio journey!
Cheers!
~ Renee
“Epic Love”, close up with a little dramatic light.
© Renee Fukumoto
A close up showing details: tool marks, the ebb and flow of process. “Epic Love”, hand sculpted fine silver horse pendant, © Renee Fukumoto 2023.