raku
raku
Ooooh raku....
I love this process! Pieces are formed, dried, fired in an electric kiln and then glazed using a variety of techniques. Then into the raku kiln, removed at a glowing 980 degrees-ish and placed in a dustbin full of newspaper shreddings. The shreddings ignite, the dustbin lid is put on thus reducing the oxygen in the bin. This 'pulls out' various colours and metallic effects.
After a short while the blackened pots are removed and thoroughly cleaned to reveal the magic. Its so exciting and unpredictable!