"Dragon Snail 04 - Azul" by Erin ´EireWolf´ Metcalf

Though I love all of your sculptures, esp. your dragon snails, I just had to comment because of how you mentioned that the shell was "...sculpted by God and borrowed for this piece". I just think that that is a lovely thought and am glad you put it in your description ^_^

Now, about the actual artwork, I love the heads/faces of these 'lil critters, they're so strong and, erm, Drakenly looking, but then you see their bodies and go "awwww!!" A very original concept, and very well sculpted (how do you keep them so smooth? and how do you get the lil metallic flecks in the clay??)! Keep 'em coming for our viewing pleasure ^_~ You sell your sculptures, correct??

~ Esther (apologies for the unusually long comment)

Erin ´EireWolf´ Metcalf replies: "No apology necessary; I love long comments! And I apologize in advance for a long answer.Yes, I do sell my sculptures, either via my website or on eBay. My News page will say if there's anything currently up for auction, or I can put you on my mailing list if you like. Thanks for asking! The metallic flecks in the clay are actually part of the clay that I use, which in this case is Sculpey III. Some of their pearlescent colors are really cool. Sometimes I also mix some Pearl Ex pigment powders into the clay to get that shimmery effect, and sometimes I mix the Pearl Ex powders into the varnish. As for the smoothness -- it just takes practice and some patience. I usually just smooth the clay with my fingers, but sometimes I use Clay Shaper tools, especially for the hard-to-reach parts. As for the shell -- I gotta give credit where it's due! ^_^ All the credit goes to God, actually, as He gave me the talent to begin with and I am enormously influenced by His creation. I must say that God is my favorite artist and best inspiration! Well, as I've answered your comment backwards... sgnisselb! "

I must admit that when I saw the thumbnail for this image it immediately reminded me of a mountain goat, for some odd reason. Just the way the head and horns are shaped made me think that.

Erin ´EireWolf´ Metcalf replies: "Really? Sweet! I try to make my horns (everything, actually) as realistic as possible, so I am very much inspired by mountain goats and other horned creatures when I make these guys. Thanks for the comment!"