Photos of ceramics, and article interpretation by Robert Kokenyesi, Ceramic Artist, Beachfront Pottery, Godfrey, IL, 62035, USA.  If you enjoyed this post, then give me a “like” on my Facebook page.      There is additional information about Beachfront Pottery on my web site.

 

The Published News Article

Rare and mysterious ‘ghost shark’ boated off Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is a world-famous angling paradise known for its glamor species, such as marlin, yellowfin tuna, and colorful mahi-mahi (dorado). But during the past week, tourists from Minnesota were plying the waters off the Mexican resort destination when they discovered a bizarre-looking fish …

Ghost sharks have a surprising appearance to them, like the oversized fins, large head, and the large eye.  Ghost sharks have other names like rabbit fish or spook fish.  They are remotely related to sharks, and show some traits that are more similar to bony fishes.

Beachfront Pottery Pieces

What caught my eye is the large translucent eye, and the color oft he skin.  Because this is a  deep water species, I had an easy time picturing this shark emerging from the dark waters of the deep.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Ghost Shark I was one in a series of experiments to form shapes from paper on ceramic frame. This piece has several ceramic “ropes” wired onto three pentagonal ceramic sheets. Drawin paper was affixed to the frame, and then toilet paper was slumped onto the surface.  That paer was sprayed with water and eye dropper-full of blue watercolor paint was added in spots.  As the paint spread, it created the bluish spots.  On the closeup you can see the end of the ceramic ropes also stained with blue watercolor.

 

This is a piece that uses a discovery that thick drops of Cheetah and Cascade mix glaze shines through Lagoon Blue and Celestial Blue glazes.  The construction details will be in a separate post.  Spots of the base glaze form the shape of the ghost shark.  The Celestial Blue represent a third firing, and all areas of the sheet gets that thin layer of glaze.

 

 

 

Here is a slightly different version where the Celestial Blue glaze had small chunks of crystals in it, creating a starry sky-like background. The detail photo shows how the spots have their own blue pattern to them.

 

Inspiration for Future Ceramic Pieces

The Ghost Shark I piece can be explored a lot further; finding a better way to make the ceramic frame would help to carry out quick experiments by varying the paper wrapping and coloration.

 

The Ghost Shark II and III do give this image of a ghost emerging from the dark deep ocean.  The first experiment will be making larger sheets of the skin instead oft he many small spots.  I might add a turquoise eye!