Khnum – Ram Headed Ancient Egyptian God – Contemporary Ceramic Sculpture by Dick Martin
Khnum was regarded as the god and guardian of the source of the Nile River. He was seen as the creator of the bodies of children, which he made at a potter’s wheel, from clay, and placed in their mothers’ wombs. Later he was described as having moulded the other deities, and had the title “Divine Potter”.
The Ancient Egyptians worshipped a large number of gods going back into prehistory. Their beliefs and rituals formed the base of ancient Egyptian religion and were a part of all aspects of daily life. They had their own temples and the Pharaoh was seen as their representative. Many deities were personified as animal gods and often depicted in human form with animal heads.
I have always been fascinated by the history, Myths and Legends shown in the Art and traditions of Ancient Egypt. There are many ancient Egyptian animal god sculptures in the British Museum in London that are wonderful to see. They suggest endless opportunities for creativity. The sculptures are made with a direct honesty to the nature of the material.
Methods used by the Artist
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. Then the work is fired twice in an electric kiln, the second firing between 1100 and 1200c. Lastly it is decorated with oxides, engobes and glazes. Lovely to hold – they have a great “feel” about them. Each piece is hand built and unique. Suitable for interior and exterior locations. Signed underneath with a signature stamp. Certificate of Authenticity included.
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Questions to the artist about the artwork
Firstly what inspired you to create this sculpture?
I was inspired by my love of Ancient History and my love of sculpture. Therefore it is wonderful to combine the two. I enjoy the research into the historical figures. Then the process of making art is so fulfilling. I have always needed to be creative. My studio is where I relax and totally involve all my senses in the sculpture I am working on.
Are there specific challenges with working with clay as a medium?
Like all mediums clay sculpture has its particular processes and skill requirements. These skills are built up over time. Creativity has to be given the space to grow and open up in its own way. Clay is wonderful to work with being an “earth material.” It is so adaptable and can be shaped and formed constantly. Therefore it is a joy to work with.
What draws you to the history, myths, and legends of Ancient Egypt?
I like discovering how humanity changes in many ways and yet stays the same in others. Because people are the most interesting subject there is. Ancient Egypt is one of the first of the great civilisations. I find their sculpture, relief painting and fascinating mythologies endlessly interesting.
Finally how long does the whole process take to create the sculpture?
It’s not easy to say how long an individual piece takes because I have to rough out the piece first, then let it dry for a day, then work on it some more and so on. Then the work is fired in the kiln twice. The first time to harden the clay, which is then decorated with oxides and glazes. Then it is fired again at a higher temperature to bring all the elements together. So about 10 / 12 hours for each piece.
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