Gargoyles and Grotesques

The word “Gargoyle” shares a root with the word “gargle” which comes from the word “gargouille” which means throat in French. A true gargoyle is a waterspout.

Defending Griffin An unusual carved creature that does not serve a purpose is called a “Grotesque.”

The word gargoyle has become the accepted term for all manner of grotesques, griffins and chimeras. One cooks the stew while the other gobbles it down.

This grotesque is found in the Czech Requblic.

These gargoyles are found in Tuscany and Orvieto,Italy.

Grotesque found in Brescia,Italy.

Grotesques found in U.K and the U.S. (Texas).

This grotesque is found in Des Moines, Iowa.

This gargoyle is found on the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.

The Burrage: A real gem of a mansion in Boston's Back Bay: with over 165 carved gargoyles, grotesques, cherubs and other faces.Burrage

Boston’s pride of lions.

Chicago’s Bachuss king of the grape. Greenman grotesque also found in Chicago.

Gargoyles may have dragon-like qualities.

Gargoyles take many forms.

Gargoyles may be performing a task. This one is located in New York City where 100 years ago stone carvers were quite common.

Gargoyles can be traced back 4,000 years to Egypt, Rome and Greece. Terra cotta water spouts depicting: lions, eagles, and other creatures, including those based on Greek and Roman mythology, were very common. Gargoyle water spouts were even found at the ruins of Pompeii. The first grotesque figures came from Egypt.

Tips for Glazing Apply at least 3 coats OR until the color of the clay is no longer visible. Depending on the project, typically you should not apply glaze to any area that comes in contact with the surface of the table. If you get glaze on an area you did not want it, take it to the sink and lightly sponge it off. DO NOT mix glazes. Clean brushes off before using another glaze. DO not contaminate colors! Make sure lids are on tight before you shake the bottle to mix. Make sure the lids are replaced when finished. READ the labels. They will tell you what type of Glaze you are using. Gloss Glazes - come out glass–like and shiny when used properly. The color in the bottle WILL change after firing. Refer to the chart that is posted inside the cabinet. Matt Glazes – Not as shiny as Gloss, but they will have a sheen to them. Underglaze – Will not come out shiny. Typically there are more colors to choose from. A clear transparent Gloss Glaze can be applied over Underglaze if desired. Crystal Glazes – a gloss glaze with different colored glass chips mixed in to produce a Marbled/speckled effect. Misconceptions: The more glaze you apply DOES NOT make it shiner. It can actually make the glaze become cloudy, milky white, regardless of color. Applying lots of different glazes will not make “cool and interesting” colors. Glaze does not mix like paint.