Making a portrait of Toni Morrison
Toni Morrison was an inspiration to so many people. I wanted to commemorate her in the only way I know how. Making this portrait in 2020-2021 led me to discover so much about her work and her life. I hope that seeing it makes you want to know more about her, to read her works and to listen to her talks. If that happens, then my work is done well, and I have done her some justice.
Toni Morrison -work in progress
Left view of the clay model
Toni Morrison
This close-up image shows the skin texture as I work to complete the portrait in clay
Toni Morrison
Close-up image showing the clay modelling around the eye
The finished clay model
After several months of work, the clay model is finished and ready for me to make the plaster mould and start the casting process.
Toni Morrison, clay model
Right view of the clay model nearing completion
Toni Morrison
Close-up detail of the clay model from the front
Toni Morrison
Toni had a wonderful mane of hair, usually worn swept back from her face in cascading dreadlocks.
Deirdre Nicholls Portrait Sculptor 