Clay 3 Dimensional painting / sculpture by artist Ellen Kong

To Ellen Kong, shaping clay is painting in space, transforming strong two-dimensional images and brilliant colors into three-dimensional forms. Airbrush, masking, and collage techniques enhance the surface textures. In contrast to the bright, radiant, oxidation-fired pieces, Kong utilizes smoke firing to create rich, luminous earth tone surfaces. The delightful Mama-san Series combines the skill and discipline of traditional oriental painting techniques with the unpredictable smoke from a sawdust-firing kiln. The flame-licking Raku kiln produces dramatic pieces, such as the elegant kimonos embellished with lustrous glazes and intricate textural designs. They give viewers a poetic fantasy and rich visual experiences.