Crafting Clay Animals

…and my introduction to Creative Therapeutic concepts

I grew up not thinking I was all that creative. I was more a reader and observer than an experimenter. Going to the Creative Works Studio in Toronto for occupational art therapy changed my perspective. I began to appreciate the value of trying things out even if they went sideways, and the importance of engaging in creativity with others—even if some days that meant simply watching when active participation felt overwhelming. The below images are from my clay/mixed media animal collection.

During this time, I also began exploring how strategies used in creative therapeutic settings could be applied in other contexts. That’s the connecting bridge between the disciplines that I love to belong to. I specifically draw from my experiences as a volunteer at chimpanzee sanctuaries and wonder how these creative approaches might contribute to enrichment protocols for the chimps in care. Additionally, as highlighted in my thesis research, caregivers of great apes in sanctuaries and zoos often face burnout and compassion fatigue. Could engaging in creative activities with others help improve their well-being and work experience?

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  • Mixed media mask

  • "The Bovine Wedding Party"

  • Mixed media red fox mask

  • Clay seal in a marble sea

  • "Picasso Cat"

  • "Sun Hawk"

  • Mixed media squirrel

  • Mixed media elk

  • "A Hare with Flaire"

  • "The Conductor"

  • Mixed media cat portrai

  • Mixed media cat portrait

  • "Leila" the dog

  • Mixed media cow

  • "Ziggy Stardust"

  • Mixed media owl

  • Mixed media bull and birds

  • "The Cradle"

Curtain Cats

I sold a lot of these! They were designed to hold back curtains and when they are not in use, the sculpted animal faces gave the curtains a playful and unique look, even when left hanging loose.

Blueberry danish process

A mixed media prop built using jute rope, burlap, resin and polymer clay.

Bird Mask

A bird mask made using a mould and cast design with clay, papier mache, and flora and fauna.

Lion Head

A mixed media clay build finished with faux fur, flora and fauna.

Flying Puppet and Crow

A mixed media design using a mould and cast for the face and shibori fabric for the bod. The crow is a hand puppet built from strands of feathers that are sewn to form the body and wing shape.

Moth Man Puppet

Moth man began as an articulated puppet in Banff and his style fully evolved when he began travelling the world on his flying balloon. His 2 squirrel friends keep him company.