Hawaiian Volcanic Pottery
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Raku
Raku refers to the ancient ceramic firing process developed in Japan in the 1580's.
What makes this firing exciting is that I actually reach into the red-hot kiln and pull out the work at the peak of the firing. This is usually around 1700 degrees Fahrenheit.
My technique is different than most contemporary Raku due to the fact that I do not use glazes or chemicals to produce color on my finished work. Instead I place horse hair directly onto the natural volcanic orange surface at precisely the right time. As it touches the hot work, it instantly leaves intricate black patterns that are impossible to replicate.
This firing is very quick and exciting. Reaching into the kiln demands focus. And judging the precise moment to use the horse hair can be very tricky. But when done correctly, the patterns and lines created on the orange background are stunning. Each individual work of art is truly one of a kind.
What makes this firing exciting is that I actually reach into the red-hot kiln and pull out the work at the peak of the firing. This is usually around 1700 degrees Fahrenheit.
My technique is different than most contemporary Raku due to the fact that I do not use glazes or chemicals to produce color on my finished work. Instead I place horse hair directly onto the natural volcanic orange surface at precisely the right time. As it touches the hot work, it instantly leaves intricate black patterns that are impossible to replicate.
This firing is very quick and exciting. Reaching into the kiln demands focus. And judging the precise moment to use the horse hair can be very tricky. But when done correctly, the patterns and lines created on the orange background are stunning. Each individual work of art is truly one of a kind.
Copyright . Alan Schwartz. All rights reserved.
