About Us
About us index
The Artist
Florence P. Hansen has gained international recognition for her work as a sculptress and design artist. Private and public commissions include prestigious works in collections across the nation. She studied under the renowned sculptor, Dr. Avard T. Fairbanks, at the University of Michigan, where she designed automobile motifs and ornaments for Ford Motor Company, and also for Brad Keeler Artware, Glendale, California. Mrs. Hansen is the principal artist for Hansen Classics. These sculptures, produced in fine porcelain, have been selected as official gifts to presidents, prime ministers, premiers and others in high office. She is a member of the National Sculpture Society and her biography is included in "Contemporary American Women Sculptors," published in 1986. The artistic success of this prolific sculptress is based on her personal perspective of art: "Capturing the likeness and personality of a subject is a delight; molding the delicate subtleties of a child, forming the strength of a man or the unique qualities of a woman and adding the beautiful texture of the elderly as the character, developed over a lifetime, surfaces. Manipulating clay to achieve action, rhythm and harmony is to experience excitement. Historical themes and genre are my forte. It is my desire that my artistic endeavors will have a positive influence in those who view them."
"Art is a powerful medium of expression and communication. It has through the ages influenced civilizations. Because it can motivate people, it has an impact on the course of history. Art is a great teaching instrument. It is therapeutic value as an outlet for emotions, and such should sometimes remain a private thing. Taking frustrations out on paper, canvas or clay can relieve tensions, and has then served its purpose. Because we communicate thoughts and feelings, concepts and values through our art, we should feel a commitment to society to leave it a little better than we found it. It is a challenge and a thrill to express through art, varied human experience."
Porcelain Care:
Occasional cleaning is required to remove dust build up and to restore the figurine to its natural beauty. Use dish soap and water. A scrub brush can be used for hard to reach areas. When cleaning, use care not to allow water to damage wood or felt attachments.
For Customer Service Questions
write or call Hansen Classics:
Hansen Classics
8762 S. Monroe (150 W.)
Sandy, Utah 84070
1-800-637-3910
Phone: (801) 566-3501
Fax: (801) 566-3761
E-mail: information@HansenClassics.com
The Porcelain Process
The journey begins with the gift of a talented artist.
Porcelain is a difficult and unforgiving process. There are basically 22 steps from inspiration to completed figurine. Only a few of those steps are shown here to help you better understand the nature and value of a fine porcelain figurine.
- We often start the process with an idea from a family album. The artist's granddaughter, Kandalyn was the inspiration here.
[ click here to view the corresponding image ] - Lullaby was the result. [ click here to view the corresponding image ]
- Molds are cast for each part of the figurine. After the porcelain slip has been patiently timed to reach proper thickness, the mold is evacuated. This is known as the slip-cast method and leaves the porcelain hollow and delicate.
[ click here to view the corresponding image ] - At the proper time, each mold is carefully opened and the delicate porcelain is removed.
[ click here to view the corresponding image ] - Each piece is then hand assembled to form the completed figure. During all stages of assembly great care has to be taken to insure proper venting during the firing process.
[ click here to view the corresponding image ] - Many figurines require a series of temporary supports to strengthen the figurine during the heat of the firing process.
[ click here to view the corresponding image ] - After the greenware has been allowed to dry it is then trimmed of all mold seams and artistic repairs are made for any imperfections. The unfired porcelain is at its most vulnerable stage and is like working with a fragile egg. Not enough pressure will not produce results, too much will shatter the figurine. [ click here to view the corresponding image ]
- After drying completely, the finished greenware is carefully placed in an kiln where it will begin a 24 hour process of firing (baking) at 2100ºF. The intense heat will shrink the figurine up to 15%. Only upon opening the kiln at the completion of firing will it be known if the figurine has survived the process (after all of the material and labor has been spent). The figurine is then inspected, re-sanded to give the porcelain a smooth feel and based and boxed and made ready for you.
[ click here to view the corresponding image ] - This is a complex figurine requiring 12 separate castings to create a single piece. [ click here to view the corresponding image ]
We hope you enjoy your selection!
