My work since 1934 has been in the teaching of all facets of the arts and crafts, including ceramics. So in 1970 when I read an article about ceramic whistles, I was fascinated with the idea of something different which would appeal to the interest of all ages of people. I made many figures, experimenting with the construction of the whistle in the completed form. It was not easy. Improper line-up of the parts resulted in many failures. Finally, through perseverance, I discovered the secret of correct construction which would always result in a whistle. After modeling my character in moist clay I hollow out the inside with a wire loop tool. Then I close up this hole with a tab of clay and cut the whistle into it. Extra tones are provided for by piercing small holes at convenient places for fingers to cover. After the piece is completely dry it is fired to cone 08. Acrylic paint is applied to seal and color the clay, followed by a coat of dark oil color. Before this dries it is rubbed down to produce the gleaming character — revealing high-lights and shadows.
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