What is Raku?

Raku firing is an ancient ceramics technique developed in Japan in the early 1500’s as the Ceremonial Tea Ware of the Zen Buddhist Masters. The word Raku signifies pleasure and enjoyment of freedom. The Zen Masters preferred the raku firing process because it was unique and daring. They believed the process truly reflected the most fundamental rhythm of enlightened life.

What is the process of Raku firing?

I love the anticipation and excitement of the raku firing process, where I have minimal control and have learnt to embrace the outcome as a result of an exciting experiment.

The first part of the process is to glaze the ware using a Raku glaze. I make mine own glazes which are designed specially to have a low melting point. The ware is then loaded into the gas raku kiln and fast fired up to around 920-950 deg C. When glowing red hot the piece is quickly removed and placed in a reduction chamber. I use a metal tin which has been lined with shredded newspaper.

Once the paper has ignited the lid is closed to smoke the ware.  This process of reducing oxygen in the atmosphere causes a reaction, creating colours and patterns on the pottery’s surface. After several minutes the ware is removed from the tin and plunged in water to cool.

Raku firing is unpredictable and pieces may often crack due to thermal shock. Those that survive are certainly a unique design that can never be repeated.

What is the process of Naked Raku firing?

The process of naked Raku involves application of a clay slip on a ceramic piece that has been sealed and polished with terra sigillata. After bisque firing the piece is then fired in a Raku kiln, immediately followed by a post-firing reduction. This reduction creates smoke which seeps through the cracks that form in the slip, etching a pattern onto the surface. 

How is horse hair used in the process of Raku?

Horse hair is another way to decorate unglazed ware. After reaching temperature in the Raku kiln it is placed in the open air rather than the reduction chamber. Strands of horse hair are laid on the pottery to create a carbon trail. Feathers can also be used to imprint patterns.

As as artist, what attracts me to Raku ceramics?

As an artist, I am drawn to the unique, unrepeatable marks and colours reflected in this form of ceramics.  Its humble beauty, rawness and imperfections appeal to my desire to feel in harmony with nature.