Eastern Bluebird

Mauricio Morales crafts a small ceramic bird figurine that features exquisite hand painted detailing. 'The process for making these small animals was something I learned when I was small...since then it has become a passion of mine,' says the Guatemalan artisan, adding that the bird sculpture is made for, '...all of those who love birds.' He starts by mixing the clay and carefully shaping the figure, and then he adds aluminum legs and feet. After the bird is fired, he sands it, mixes his own colors, and paints the figurine. The result is a charming and precise depiction of a eastern bluebird complete with a rust-colored breast and throat and vivid blue shading on the wings, tail, and head.