Artist's Statement

Clay whistles are of ancient origin and are found the world over. An ocarina is a flute based on the same principle as the whistle. The name "ocarina" is an Italian word meaning "little goose," and originally referred to traditional whistles shaped like animals.

Texas artist Theresa Bayer individually hand sculpts each whistle and ocarina from stoneware clay, and kiln fires them. All are originals: no two are alike. Each is carefully tuned and/or voiced, and is lead free. Her ocarinas are real musical instruments; most have a range of an octave, are tuned to concert pitch, and can be used to play songs.

Artist's Bio

I've done clay artwork professionally since 1974. I got my start doing clay at age 12, when my mother taught me how to handbuild in terra cotta. Of all the things I've hand built, ocarinas and whistles are especially fun because they combine my love of art with my love of music.

Artist's Resume

Galleries
Clayways, Austin, TX; Sable V, Wimberley, TX; Sable V, Galveston, TX

Online Venues
eBay seller name Claylark

Art Fairs through the years
Sculptfest, Fiesta at Laguna Gloria Art Museum in Austin TX; Texas Crafts Exhibition at Winedale TX; Texas State Arts and Crafts Fair at Kerrville TX; Artists' Harvest in Austin TX.

Clay work in the past
Porcelain sculptures wholesale to galleries and shops around the USA, also to a mail order catalog. Taught clay workshops in AISD. Taught handbuilding class at Clayways.

Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts, University of Texas at Austin

Other Activities, past and present
Current: Professional caricature artist, still life paintings
Past: Book illustration, cartooning. Taught cartooning at Dougherty Arts Center. Original cast member of Austin Texas Esther's Follies.

Professional Organizations
Texas Society of Sculpture (past newsletter editor)
Texas Clay Arts Association

Contact Artist

Theresa Bayer
E-mail: theresa.bayer@tsos.org
Web site: www.tbarts.com/ocarinas