darylbairdart

My Work

I didn’t particularly like playing with clay when I was a kid. In fact, I think it was actually my first grade teacher who added most of the fine details to these early examples of my work, shown here.

 

 

Rabbit, Daryl Baird, c. 1957

Turkey, Daryl Baird, c. 1957

In the early-90s I enrolled in a community college clay sculpture course. I asked if I could give one of the pottery wheels a try and, with some instruction, and a lot of struggling, I was on my way.  Soon I was trying every pottery technique I could get my hands on. This small pot (left) was covered with layers of colored clay slip sandwiched between coats of shellac through which I scratched to get the craggy mountain effect.

 

Large stones among the trees are very pleasing to me. So is rusted metal and they are why I make what I make. I have always enjoyed looking at high mountains and they, too, influence my work.

The tale is as old as the Eden Tree -- and new as the new-cut tooth --

For each man knows ere his lip-thatch grows he is master of Art and Truth;

And each man hears as the twilight nears, to the beat of his dying heart,

The Devil drum on the darkened pane:  "You did it, but was it Art?" 

One of my newest projects is called “Letters From Life.” My first set was for Sandpoint and I have several more planned. The Sandpoint edition is available at Timber Stand Gallery in town.

I made an address sign for my own house and I can make one for yours. This one measures about fourteen inches across. Please contact me if you’re interested in having me make one for you.

I have made boxes from stoneware clay  for over ten years now. Each box has a “mountainscape” on all four sides. I cut and carve each scene by hand. No two are exactly alike. Each box is finished with a twig handle tied in place with waxed linen cord. The leaves  are handcut from copper or coffee cans. 

Ah, my clocks. I love making these. I build each one from the bench, up, without much of a plan. No two are alike. I use a variety of materials, and found objects, in each clock. The mechanisms are battery-operated and are very high quality.

My friend and artist, Dan Saultman, made excellent masks and his designs inspire mine. They say that in every portrait is a little bit of the painter. I don’t think my eyes are this droopy.

Combining Clay, Wood and Metal.  Imagine.

Combining Clay, Wood and Metal.  Imagine.