I started the Bench Series inspired by the sight of people sitting on the local benches looking out at the Ocean. They seem fascinated as they witness the beauty and the power before them. I am fascinated by their colors, shapes and details. I sneak a photo or do a quick sketch for reference.
This painting is the first in the Series. What caught my eye was the way they were grouped together. I saw a story. The large man tenderly holding the small injured bird, while his friend peered over his shoulder to lend a hand. The woman on the cell phone looking up the Wildlife Rescue number. The man with the camera grabbing a few shots before they have to leave on their errand of mercy.
Acrylic Paint.
Dimensions: 18 by 24 inches.

Waling one morning I found this beautiful piece of Eucalyptus bark recently peeled off the trunk of the towering tree. Inspired, I carried it home, (much to my dog's confusion). I was unsure what I would create with it. This painting grew out of sketches and explorations. It is my way of honoring these powerful and beautiful trees.
Acrylic Paint. Eucalyptus bark and leaves. Dimensions: 30 by 40 inches.

" When you come to the edge of all that you know,
You must believe one of two things:
Either there will be new ground to stand on
Or, you will be given wings to fly." OR Melling
This quote has resonated, inspired and comforted me through many times of standing on an edge in my life.
Acrylic Paint.
Dimensions are 36 by 48 inches.

This painting started with the Yin Yang Symbol, the Ancient symbol of duality, first recorded in 1050 BCE.
There can be no positive without a negative. No open without closed. No light without shadow.
Interconnected. The opposites flowing into and out of each other.
Harmony is achieved when there is an equal balance between Yin and Yang. The small circles remind us nothing is absolute.
The figures and the dolphins playing with the balancing, deep beneath the Ocean.
How to hold our lives more lightly?
Acrylic Paint.
Dimensions: 36 by 48 inches.

On a day
When I am stumbling through life
If I remember
I look up and see
The Expanse of Sky
Peace is there.
This painting was born in the first months of the Covid Pandemic when the world seemed to stop and tilt. I had closed my ceramic studio, as so many other businesses, and with the extra time in my life, I started to paint again. This time proved to be a gift.
"Sky" gave me comfort and hope. My intention is to share this hope with others.
Acrylic Paint. Dimensions are 36 by 48 inches.

This sculpture originated out of my fascination with the sacrum bone. I started drawing the sacrum from different angles. A form began to emerge, rising up out of the bone. The base became a turtle shell, representative of the Creation Myths in which the Earth was carried on the back of an ancient turtle.
The "bone" section is reminiscent of the sacrum, a primal bone. The tall feminine form feels both woman and plant rising to her flowering.
This sculpture holds a mystery I am still exploring.
Stoneware clay. Height 20 inches; Diameter 7 to 10 inches.

Inspired by the brushwork of Vincent Van Gogh, my sgrafitto carving of a Cypress Tree captures the grace and power of these beautiful trees growing here on the Monterey Peninsula. Stoneware clay. Height 8 inches. Diameter 4.25 inches. SOLD

Carved in a white slip over a rich red stoneware, this Pelican has a subtle dramatic presence. Living here in Monterey I appreciate and study the Pelicans. Their grace and power in juxtaposition with their slightly comical physique. The vase is glazed in a soft matte blue-green. Stoneware. Height 8 inches; Diameter 4 inches.

The carved bird is a design from Greece, the 2nd Millennium, BCE. The sacred water bird was a part of myths in ancient cultures. She carried the Cosmic Egg, containing our Universe, and was a symbol of Gaia, the Giver of life, happiness and death. The women, dancing in an ancient regeneration ritual are enclosed in a seed form, symbolic of new life. Thus I made my piece into the seed form. Dancing hourglass-figures were portrayed on ancient vessels as engaged in rites for 3000 years. The Moon was a symbol of becoming.
This piece is 3.75 inches tall by 3.5 inches in diameter.

This small vase depicts the Snake-limbed Goddess as depicted on a Palatial Cretan Sarcophagus, 14th -13th Century BCE. The Snake appears in many ancient Creation Myths. In one Greek myth, Gaia the most ancient Goddess, created the first snake Ophion from the North Wind. Together, they danced upon the waves of Chaos and created the Cosmic Egg from which our Universe was hatched. The snake's seasonal renewal of shedding its skin made it a sacred symbol of immortality for our ancestors. The flowing designs of Spirals were believed to awaken dormant life force and were associated with healing. These designs were carved on the walls of Paleolithic caves (15,000 BCE). Stoneware Clay. 4.5 inches diameter.

A small sphere designed to bring you pleasure.
The design of this Water bird comes from Greece in the 2nd Millennium BCE. She carries the Cosmic Egg, a universal myth linked to the Creation of our Universe. The Egg contained the earth, the seas, the sun and moon and the planets. The Ancient peoples believed water birds brought happiness, wealth and nourishment. The Moon is a symbol of becoming. The Snake and Spiral designs were carved on the walls of Paleolithic caves. (15,000 BCE) The flowing designs were believed to awaken dormant life force. I included the stars as symbols of hope and light.
The piece is 2.75 inches in diameter.

This small sphere is meant to bring you a sense of wonder and peace.
The design of a Water Bird is from Minoan vase, Crete from the 16th century BCE. The sacred water bird is linked to universal myths in ancient cultures, considered to be one manifestation of the Great Goddess, Gaia, giver of life, happiness and death. This bird carries the Cosmic Egg which in Creation Myths, contained the entire Universe.
The Moon was a symbol of becoming. The Spiral designs, originally painted on cave walls, were believed to awaken the life force and aided in healing. The hands, also painted on the cave walls of pre-history, were symbolic of healing and the energizing touch of Gaia.
This piece is 3.5 inches in diameter.

The Great Blue Heron is one of my favorite birds. I always feel blessed when I catch a glimpse of one. I carved this image in the Sgrafitto Technique. The contrast of the black and white image is balanced by the soft green glaze.
I create my pieces to be used in daily life. Enjoy!

In this small class, we explore the many different hand-building techniques with clay. The class meets on Thursday evenings from 7pm to 9pm, in four-week sessions. We inspire each other, laugh and create together.

This class is for you and a friend/partner. A Creative Date! This is a chance to explore a new experience together. You can choose either clay: throwing on the wheel or hand-building, or you can try Intuitive Painting together. Another fun option is a double-date with your friends. The fee is $160 per couple. This includes all materials and studio expenses.

These are a single two-hour class to give you the opportunity to see what it is like to get your hands in clay or to play with paint. These can be private, semi-private or small groups. Perhaps you and a friend or a few friends would like to experience creative play. Class is limited to 4 participants. Fee is $88 each for the evening, which includes all materials and studio expenses. A follow up class is available so you can glaze your pieces once they are fired.

This small box has the design of a Rose on its lid, with a part of a poem by Rumi on the side:
"How does the Rose ever open its heart
And give to the world all of its beauty?
It feels the encouragement of Light upon its being,
otherwise we all remain too
frightened."
The box comes with a soft pad (removable) inside to protect whatever precious item you might want to keep in it.
The box is 4.5 inches in diameter and 2.75 inches tall.
I include a copy of the poem with the box.
If you have a favorite poem you would like inscribed on one of my boxes as special gift, please contact me.

This is a sketch of my dog, Shanti on her favorite chair, relaxing in the winter sunshine.
If you would like a similar drawing of your dog, it would be in the price range of $225 to $350, depending on the complexity of the subject. This price includes matting.

This is a pencil drawing of Tono, a friend's Chihuahua. She found him at the SPCA. He is a gentle, sweet dog.
If you would like a similar drawing of your animal companion, the cost would be in the range of $155 to $195.

This is a charcoal sketch of a young German Shepherd. She is playful and very smart.
This drawing, and one of your own dog is in the price range of $225 to $350, depending on the complexity of the subject. The price includes matting.

This is a sketch of a friend of mine, Dakota, a Maltese playing with his favorite toy. This drawing is in pencil.
This sketch, or one of your own dog would be in the price range of $255 to $325, depending on the complexity of the subject. Price includes matting.

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This small box has a rich red glaze. The Asian design disk is carved out of Agate. The inside of the box is lined with a removable cushion to keep precious items safe. Each of these boxes is one-of-a-kind. I use different stones and carved pieces on the lids, and the color varies with each firing. If you are interested, I can make one especially for you.

Stoneware clay and glazes.

2.75 tall x 3.25 diameter.

Price includes free shipping within the U.S. Please inquire about international shipping costs.

The Cypress trees that line Carmel Beach often catch my eye. Their silhouettes are beautiful against the sky, either blue or foggy gray. Carmel beach is known to be dog friendly and there are always dogs walking and playing.

I used the Sqraffito technique on this piece. This is a decorative technique where, after I throw the piece on the wheel, I coat it with a fine colored slip. I then carve my design into the slip, revealing the white clay underneath. The final step of glazing the piece protects the carving. The inside is lined with a removable cushion to keep something precious safe.

Stoneware clay with glazes. 4.75” diameter x 3” tall. SOLD

This portrait of Tia was a commissioned piece. I include it as an example of my charcoal portraits. I really enjoy drawing portraits of dogs. If you would like a portrait of your dog, or cat, I would be pleased to create one for you. I can easily work from photos if it is not possible for me to meet you and your pet in person. Please contact me at art@rhaeamaurel.com and we can discuss your personal choices, as color, size, and pose.

I am now offering matted prints of this drawing. There are two sizes available: 11" x 14" and 16" x 20". The smaller size is $48, the larger is $58. These prices include shipping within the U.S.

A commissioned portrait similar to this drawing would cost in the range of $600. The price depends on the complexity of the drawing and the size.
The price includes shipping within the U.S. Please contact me about the cost of international shipping.

Charcoal Drawing, matted, unframed. 11" x 14"

Rafael was a Springer Spaniel whose love was running and leaping for his ball. I called his ball “Thump” because of the thump it would make when Rafs dropped it, like he did from the top of the stairs. One of his favorite games.
This relief sculpture depicts Rafs launching off into the sky, flying after Thump. I created this after he passed. I imagine this was his dream.

This is a one-of-a-kind bas relief sculpture. If you would like, I would be happy to create one of your dog for you. In this format, I can do just about any pose or fantasy. Please contact me at art@rhaeamaurel.com and we can discuss your personal choices, as subject, theme, colors, size.

A sculpture similar to this one would be in the range of $1200, this price includes the framing.
“Rafs Flying” Stoneware clay and glazes. Wall piece, wood and linen frame. 19” x 16” x 2" deep.

I was inspired to create this sculpture from doing the charcoal portrait of “Tia” a young King Charles Spaniel. Just like Tia, this dog is devoted to his ball. When I am walking my dog on the beach, I often see King Charles Spaniels. They are happy looking dogs.
Here, this one is curled up on his bed after a good session of chasing and retrieving his ball. He rests and waits patiently for his owner to play with him again.

Stoneware clay and glazes. 10” wide x 7” deep x 3” tall.

Shanti is my young dog, a shepherd mix. Her favorite place is the beach. With this sculpture, my goal was to capture her playfulness. Choosing this pose challenged my technical skills. The piece taught me a great deal. The base represents the beach with the lacy waves washing the sand.

Stoneware clay and glazes. 14” wide x 11” deep x 7” tall.
I find great pleasure in creating sculpture portraits of dogs. Please contact me if you would like to discuss my doing a sculpture of your best friend. I can work from photos if you are not local. The price of a commissioned portrait depends on the complexity and size of the sculpture.