Sculptured Heels – This collection started out with my interest in the ships figureheads, such as the one that carried Odysseus on his voyage in the Greek epic poem Odyssey. The figurehead embodied the sprit of a ship and was originally believed to placate the gods of the sea and ensure a safe voyage. I also found them at the ends of Egyptian ships; the figureheads came up in a graceful curve, taking the form of a lotus stem. Roman ships had figureheads but they are probably best known on Viking ships, they would be raised at stem and stern as a sign of warlike intent, they were a little more grotesque in detail, but had remarkable graceful appearance. The figureheads origin remain mysterious but they were designed for a mixed of desire to conciliate a deity and terrify enemies, to the 19th century when they were painted with a blue streak round the figurehead and the hull as a sign of mourning for the crew to pay tribute to a dead captain, who was loved by his crew. It provided a sentimental significance for the crew but also superstition. The collection was originally inspired by the figureheads but has taken on allot more muse. These uniquely sculptured characters are created with fine porcelain and clay. Each one has a distinct personality and like a snowflake no two are identical.