Shaping the surface.

I thought I’d wait a few days and then the making and shaping process is more obvious to see.

Smoothing the clay with my fingers.

Smoothing and moving the clay with a steel kidney, to even out the surface.

Changing the shape by tapping the surface with a wooden bat.

Finally rocking the bat to compress and strengthen the surface. This piece is now ready for the surface detail… tomorrow’s job.