A sackbut is a medieval trombone. Becky's younger son Brian is a professional trombonist. Becky wrote:

"People often ask how I make these animals and busts. I was accustomed to throwing on the potter's wheel where I started with a lump of clay that I shaped from the bottom up as the wheel turned. So, I built my animals and people from the bottom up, usually on a large wooden wheel which I turned by hand as I worked. Sometimes I put tightly wadded newspaper inside to keep the walls standing until they hardened. Sometimes I built little supporting walls of clay inside the bigger pieces and these remain. They help add strength even after the piece is fired.

I collected a small library of drawings and photographs of animals. I also had a book of medical illustrations showing muscle and bone structure. As I worked the animal would grow fanciful or strong with a special presence. Karl would come home and ask 'What did you dream up today?'. It was great fun.

This piece is called Gazelle with Sackbut. The many textures that can be made with clay fascinate me. I lie for the textures to look fresh as if I have just finished, almost leaving the imprint of my hand or tool. I usually wanted to keep the earthy feeling of the clay using only stains for color.

As you can see from this picture of the owners' granddaughter [below], the animals sometimes inspire love. She strokes the playmate, talks to it, and brings it food."