Clay Critters & Characters by Sig

Unique hand-sculpted clay figures

to capture your heart and imagination...

Our Critters And Characters

Clay Critters & Characters by Sig came into being in 1992, when a new hobby became an "obsession" for artist, Jack Siegfried. His sculptures had their origins in a lifelong interest in the arts. He had taken available art classes in high school and college, with training in pencil and charcoal sketching, pastels, pen-and-ink drawing, and oil painting. But when he experimented with polymer clay about eighteen years ago, he became "addicted."

Jack's first ventures in this medium were replicas of Hopi Kachinas, "Bearsonalities" (small collectible teddy bears), and "Klay Kinder" ( figures inspired by the featureless dolls created by the Amish and Mennonites).

These were sold at craft fairs and art exhibits throughout eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey. His works have been presented in two gift shops in the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania, as well. He has participated in the holiday Christkindlmarkt in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania (one of the top 100 Holiday Tour attractions in the US) for the past nine years

Each of the Critters and Characters is sculpted of polymer clay (Fimo, Sculpey III,and Premo) applied to an armature. The figures range in size from four inches to eight inches in height. Since each figure is hand-crafted, no two are alike.

While he still creates the kachinas and teddy bears, Jack's artistic expression has expanded to include several additional series of figures:

Fantasy Folk by Sig
The Fantasy Folk spring from folklore and myth, dreams, musical impressions, and the inspiration and support of Jack's loving wife, whose suggestions have been the source of many of his renderings. Dragons, Angels, Unicorns, Heroes from Classic Literature, Wizards, Witches... they're all here. The "Fantasy Folk" provide an outlet for creative expressions of a lively imagination.
Olde World Santas by Sig
Christmas has been celebrated by Christians around the world since the Fourth Century. The figure of "Santa Claus" has played a major role in many of these celebrations since the 19th Century. Although the name, "Santa Claus", originated in the United States, the "spirit" he represents is called many other names in other countries.

Through the centuries, this figure has undergone many changes from the "Stern, Old Man" of Europe, to the "Jolly, Old Elf" of the United States. The Santa Claus the world knows today is derived from many religious, cultural, environmental, and gift-bearing traditions around the world. With Olde World Santa by Sig, we have attempted to "Recapture The Spirit Of Christmas Past."
Abbey Antics by Sig
The Bath Abbey Monks were inspired by an infant play set that my grandson had about fourteen years ago...Robin Hood's Sherwood Forest. Each figure had a bulbous nose and hat or helmet pulled over his eyes...all except Friar Tuck, whose eyes were covered with hair. I was intrigued by his appearance. I tried it out, and it proved popular at craft shows, and Abbey Antics became a mainstay in my presentation.
Each figure is hand-sculpted of polymer clay to represent the inhabitants of the abbey, whose only desire is to bring a smile to all who visit the Abbey.
Everyday People by Sig
They're all around us. We see them every day...the butcher, the baker, the postman, the child at play. No heroes here...just a lot of people, doing the best they can in this world. Some we take for granted, and never truly "see" them. Others gain attention and notoriety they do not want. Some are happy, some are sad. Each has his or her own story to tell. But there are no great heroes here; only EVERYDAY PEOPLE...
Warriors of the World by Sig
Throughout history, man has waged war. In some societies, the warrior was glorified...the Spartan... the Samurai. In other cultures, war was waged only as a means of defense, with no warrior class at all.

Warriors of the World by Sig attempts to capture the essence of the warrior spirit. We do not intend to glorify war, only to present a glimpse of the human side of the event.
Furry & Feathered Friends by Sig
Throughout his existence, Man has shared this planet with animal and avian neighbors. Some he has domesticated and trained to do things his own physical limitations prohibit him from doing. Others are best left to their natural, wild state. For them, it is best to admire from afar.

Each of the Furry Friends is hand-sculpted of polymer clay, and is designed to bring a smile to your face. Enjoy!
The Spirit Of The Steel by Sig
The SPIRIT OF THE STEEL series is dedicated to the men and women who made Bethlehem Steel the second-largest steel producer in the United States. In the long history of the company, the steelworkers were the ones who toiled at the blast furnaces and rolling mills in the heat of summer and cold of winter to make the Steel a giant!

The series was begun several years ago when I donated six figures of steelworkers to The Steelworkers Archive group in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, to be sold when they conducted tours of the former Bethlehm Steel plant.
They proved to be popular and profitable for the Archive group.
The figures depict the steelworkers from various time periods in the development of the industry, from the late nineteenth century to the "End of An Era' in the late Twentieth Century.

Customer Comments

Hi Jack. Thanks again, I love this (Duryee's Zouave figure from the Civil War)... it will be tough to give it to Denis. If you need to borrow the piece for the show before I give it to Denis let me know. Mark Z.

Jack, I would like to thank you for making me the figure called "The Miner." I picked it up on Friday and was so pleased with the detail you put into the figure. All day I was showing off the figure to family and friends. It now sits in my living room at a special place for everyone to see. This figure means a lot to me and my family because my ancestors were coal and tin miners. I am so glad that I had you make this special figure for me. Dennis T.

Dear Mr. Siegfried,

I bought one of your Belsnickle Santas that appeared in the Morning Call Holiday Gift and Craft supplement. I just wanted to tell you how much my husband and I appreciate him. Our friends and holiday guests were amazed at the detail and how real he looks. I've decided to leave him out year round. He is too beautiful to pack away! Marcella D.

I found your albums on Picturetrail at the suggestion of your friend, Ryan. I think your work is Incredible! Carol R.

Hey Jack! Craig found this site (Picturetrail.com/talevai) and forwarded it to me. It's been a lot of years since the old band days, but it's good to see what you're doing these days. I'm impressed. Tom L.

Hi Jack, Just wanted to say thanks again for doing Joey for me. He looks great sitting there on the shelf ! Hope your puppies are enjoying some fresh baked "goodies" See or talk to you soon. Les B.