GALLERY  WHISTLE THUMBNAILS Artist's comment: Richie is a good example of learning to accept the unexpected. Initially, I was more fond of his marigold color before he was fired, but I've learned to like the results. The unfired color was much more like the background of the webpage, actually. In ceramics, the raw materials used to decorate pieces often look nothing like the finished fired results; only through experience do you learn how heat transforms the raw materials into the finished results. Think of how flour, sugar, and eggs is really nothing like the cake it can become if heated in a particular way. This little guy is also a good example of how the waterspout and tail can help make the character more expressive. In this case, Richie seems younger, slightly pudgy, and cuddly. Awwww! --mm

WHISTLE #037: RICHIE Can you come out and play? It was my hatchday the other day, an' I got a Turbo Starfish my brother says a Turbo Starfish is for babies, but I'm not a baby I'm older than that an' got a cool set of Atlantis cards I'm up to 567 cards it was the coolest hatchday ever in the whole history of the ocean! I can't wait to show my friends what I got I got a 3D Octopus Deluxe Inker with three interchangeable tentacles and you can hook it up to the Starfish and make cool patterns an' I got a-- Oh, that's my Dad calling. I'll see you later, okay? Bye!