The Sculpting of Clarice the Aziza

I exhibited a mixed media sculpture in the 2025 Albany County Art on the Rail Trail scavenger hunt.  The theme for this exhibit is "Gnomes and Fairies."  

I submitted a mixed media sculpture of Clarice the Aziza.  An Aziza is not a fairy, exactly, but its closest African relative.
The Aziza (or Azizan plura form) is a winged being from West African folklore who guards and protects the bush (woodlands). 

Azizan are not seen by people and can only be seen by people with good moral character.  If you can see an Aziza, you should feel blessed as it will show you how to forage and hunt for food.   This piece was submitted to educate and showcase African folklore in an exhibit which was inspired by European mythology. 

Clarice the Aziza was sculpted using aluminum wire, modeling clay, salvaged beads, aluminum foil, acrylic paint, and rhinestones. The creation process was soothing and relaxing and the piece fuses metal forming with sculpting with clay.  This was a fun experiment where I explored sculpting as a jewelry designer where I learned I am not a potter but have respect and appreciation for the profession.