Already Registered? Please sign in.
Raku
When most potters in the West think of raku firing, they think of what should technically be referred to as "American" or "Western" raku: a process in which work is removed from the kiln at bright red heat and subjected to post-firing reduction (or smoking) by being placed in containers of combustible materials, which blackens raw clay and causes crazing in the glaze surface. This Western raku firing process has a huge draw for many potters because of its excitement and unpredictability. Here, we have gathered articles and videos on raku firing that will appeal to the novice and the expert alike. And if you are looking for glazes for your raku work, don't forget to download your free copy of 33 Tried and True Glaze Recipes, a perfect resource for potters and ceramic artists who are ready to experiment with custom glazes, or for those who have grown tired of their own tried and true glazes.
Features from this Topic:
Click a feature below to read the full feature, read comments, share comments, email the feature to a friend, print feature, or bookmark the feature.
September 14, 2009
Today's post is an excerpt from our new free download, Wood Kiln Firing Techniques and Tips, in which Nesrin During shows us how to combine wood firing and raku firing. As you'll see, wood firing isn't just about high firing. You can build a simple raku kiln and fire your work with wood to get stunning results.
May 15, 2009
Ceramics Decorating Video: Decorating Raku Pottery with Slip Resist
In today's video clip, Gordon Hutchens demonstrates a slip-resist decorating technique. Sometimes called naked raku (but this video is G rated) or peel-away slip, the technique involves painting clay slip onto bisqueware and then raku firing.
March 16, 2009
The Nichrome Wire Solution: An Alternative to Raku Tongs Makes Raku Firing Large or Lidded Pots Easy
Ceramic artist Cory Pinassi got frustrated struggling to move large, lidded and, oh yeah, RED-HOT forms to the post-firing reduction chamber with raku tongs so she came up with this brilliant solution, which she shares with us today.
October 20, 2008
Gone Fishing: Making the Switch from Pottery to Ceramic Sculpture
When Dianna Pittis switched from making pots to making sculpture, she had to invent some clay tools that made it possible for her to realize her vision. Making fish seemed straightforward enough—until she actually started making fish and had to deal with the logistics and technical aspects of building and firing them safely. Below, Pittis explains her process of discovery and invention, as well as her process from forming through firing.
April 23, 2008
Practicing Safe Raku: How Potters Can Prevent Injury When Playing with Fire
I participated in a raku firing (Western style) when I was an undergrad in one of Matt Long’s classes at Ohio University. It is no wonder raku is such a popular technique among potters and ceramic artists because what’s not to love about playing so directly with fire? But, like many ceramic techniques, it is extremely important to follow strict safety guidelines, not only to protect yourself from the open flame, but also the fumes that can damage your lungs. In today’s feature, ceramic artist and long-time raku practitioner Michael Lancaster shares some of the things he has learned over his many years of firing raku.
February 11, 2008
Mark Richardson shares his technique for getting peel-away slip onto his pots, keeping the slip intact through the raku firing and reduction process, and then removing it easily at the end.
