One of Pyntelea's areas of exploration during the academic years revolved around the production of gargoyles, an idea sparked by the fascination with the architectural legacy of Roman baths. She began constructing gargoyles using clay as the primary material and employing the Japanese raku firing method for glazing. Purposefully designed to serve as both flower vases and candle holders, each gargoyle evolved organically, embracing a dynamic design process that gave each of the vases a distinct and unique identity.