Work In Progress - Bear Animal Spirit Guide

I worked on a new sculpture today, another bear spirit guide. I'm beginning to think the bear must be my animal spirit, because it's the first thing I think to do when I'm wondering what animal I should sculpt next.
I made this bear from white cone 6 (midrange) stoneware. The clay is Autumn's White from Axner. I justlove this white stoneware. It's so easy to model with and has wonderful plasticity, smoothness, and fires like a dream- perfect for handbuilding!
So here are the photos:

When I started with this one, I began with the head, which is usually where the mood of the piece comes to me. I impressed the robe with an interesting piece of heavy lace, and fastened the head and robe together. This is always a delicate time, since the clay needs to be moist - but this time it was almost too moist. I spent most of the morning adjusting the shape until it stiffened up. I think it looks pretty good, so far. I can't wait to see what happens when I finally get it glazed.

thanks for looking!