Vases

Raku is a fascinating technique whereby the bisqued and glazed ceramic piece is heated to about 1800 degrees, then removed from the kiln when it is red-hot. Using tongs and thick gloves, I then place it in a bin full of combustible material where it bursts into flames. After a few seconds, when the material has full flamed, I cover the bin with a lid and allow it to sit for a while so that it can absorb the smoke (which accounts for the black areas on the pieces) and achieve an atmosphere where the glazes are altered, yielding vibrant one-of-a kind pieces. I use special clay that is able to withstand these radical changes in temperature.The crackling effect you often see is representative of this dramatic method of firing. I never know what to expect, and no two pieces are ever the same! Due to firing at lower temperatures (about 1850 degrees), these vases are not fully vitrified and are meant to be decorative. Unlike stoneware vases, water may be absorbed into the vase itself over time, so they should not be considered waterproof.

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