Markhor Goat by Sharon Stelter

This goat was hand-built with stoneware clay. It measures approximately 14.5" tall.

Made by Sharon Stelter of Sherwood, Wisconsin.

The markhor is the largest of the wild goat species, with broad hooves and striking spiral horns that can grow to five feet long in mature males. These goats live in herds of 30-100 females, which are joined by males during the fall mating season. The markhor is the national animal of Pakistan, where it is also known as the screw horn or screw-horned goat. It is listed on the IUCN Red List as Near Threatened since 2015.

Each sculpture is an original design.  My work is hand built hollow from slabs and coils of stoneware clay.  Each piece is kiln fired twice.  An iron oxide wash between firings gives each piece its color.  Sculptures can be enjoyed both indoors and outdoors in moderate weather.

I work best when I let my mind process and refine images I have seen.  The result is a simple sketch which is the starting point of each sculpture.  Many details are eliminated but I use texture to help define the form and give depth to the surface.   I have become increasingly interested in how one sculpture interacts with another. When I see people laugh and smile when viewing my art work I feel very rewarded.  

 Find more of Sharon's work here.