Norse Deity - Helmwige, a Valkyrie - Ceramic Sculpture Sculpture

Helmwige is a Valkyrie, an armoured female goddess and daughter of Odin, in Norse Mythology. The Valkyries recover fallen heroes who die in battle and take them to Valhalla, the home of Odin, where they live exalted lives. A major figure in Wagner’s Ring Cycle. The beautiful Valkyries ride their magnificent horses across the skies accompanied by ravens.

Norse mythology is fascinating with its wonderful stories of deities, beings, and heroes. It comes from Northern Europe, Scandinavia, Denmark, Sweden, Iceland, Germany and UK. This Nordic folklore has tales that come from many sources both before and after pagan times and through the Christian period. We know about them through archaeology, medieval manuscripts and folk traditions. The many stories and adventures explore universal themes just as relevant today.

The sculptures are made with a direct honesty to the nature of the material. Clay is a wonderful material that can be pulled, squashed, shaped and squeezed. It takes an impression like no other material and, being a basic "earth" material, it is a joy to work with. Natural and manufactured objects are used to make impressions and produce strong textures. The work shows the way as it progresses into a finished piece. The hand becomes as important as the eye and the mind.

The nature of the clay and the design means there are lumps and bumps and various marks. This rugged affect is all part of the charm of the work.

I use white stoneware clay and make using slab, carving and coil building techniques. The work is then fired twice in an electric kiln, the second firing to over 1200c (stoneware). Decorated with oxides, engobes and glazes.

Lovely to hold – they have a great “feel” about them.

Each piece is hand built and totally unique. Suitable for interior and exterior locations.

Signed underneath with my signature stamp. Certificate of Authenticity included.

Any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch.