Henry Aschner

Henry.aschner@gmail.com

mongrelkoi.com

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Henry Aschner creates intricately patterned sculptures using polymer clay, blending technical precision with organic inspiration to build a vivid fusion of form and color. As a self-taught artist, Henry’s creative path began after encountering bold polymer clay sculptures in a Sedona gallery, sparking a lifelong journey of exploration with the medium.

The Millefiori Process

Henry’s work uniquely adapts the ancient glasswork method of millefiori, meaning "thousand flowers."

• Colored clay rods are assembled into complex patterns.

• These rods are sliced to reveal repeating designs.

• Every detail emerges directly from the carefully layered clay, rather than surface paint.

Handcrafted Execution

Each piece undergoes a rigorous, multi-stage creation process to achieve its signature look:

1. Sculpting: Hand-sculpting a baseline form.

2. Curing: An initial firing to set the base.

3. Caning: Layering intricate millefiori canes onto the structure.

4. Firings: Executing additional firings as needed to stabilize layers.

5. Finishing: A painstaking 12-stage hand-sanding and buffing sequence.

By finishing the clay with abrasives up to 12,000 grit, he achieves a signature glasslike shine. Ultimately, the resulting sculptures stand as both a celebration of nature and a testament to the immense complexity achievable within this versatile medium.

See the website (www.mongrelkoi.com) for illustrations of the process. Henry currently resides in Santa Fe.