Raku Process

Raku is an ancient Japanese firing technique. In the 1950's, American potters began experimenting with the Raku process. Over the years it has been transformed into the contemporary process I use today.

My Raku begins with wheel-thrown or slab rolled clay. My original designs are imprinted or embossed into the clay. A bisque firing hardens the clay. Then I hand paint various glazes on each piece. I place the pieces in my garbage can kiln and rapidly propane fire them to 1800F in less than an hour. While the pieces are glowing hot, they are removed from the kiln with special tongs, placed in another can with newpaper or other combustible material. Once the material starts on fire, I close the can and "smoke" the pieces for 5 - 15 minutes. Smoke turns any unglazed surfaces black. As the smoke and flame contact the pieces, the glazes develop a unique coloring. Immediately after the smoking, the pieces are quenched in cold water to set the glazes.

Each piece is a unique one-of-a-kind original. Due to the many variables in each firing, from the material in the can, to the humidity in the air, to the temperature of the pieces, the coloration can never be duplicated.

NOTE:---Raku ware is purely for decorative purposes. It is not functional, should not be used with food or water. It should be for indoor use only as weather and sunlight may affect the pottery due to the high porousity of the clay and the fragile nature of the pieces.