R A K U

The new collection explores this daring and unpredictable ancient Japanese technique. Pieces are prepared with glazes special to the raku process. Instead of a controlled, electric kiln, raku requires a fuel-burning kiln - a much faster heating using fire. Pulled from the kiln red-hot, pieces are quickly placed in combustible materials which burst into flames upon contact. It is then smothered with a container to deprive the set up of oxygen, and immediately cooled down.

A number of variations on this process of fire, quick temperature change, and oxygen deprivation leads to endless variations in colors and surface effects. Results can never be repeated; each piece is truly an original.

Working in raku requires speed, intuition, a collaboration with all four elements, and a trust in the natural process. Because of the quick temperature change, the risk of losing work to breakage and explosion is much higher with this process; but the rewarding results are something close to magic.