Naked Raku, it’s not Porcelain but still…


The finale to my summer project, crackle glazed hollow donuts for my yard. All I need to do now is find the right tree that goes with this structure to plant along side my driveway.

What did I learn about this project? It was hard, tough, hot, fast, dangerous and exciting all rolled into one moment of reduction.

At the last minute I decided to use a white crackle glaze instead of the naked raku technique. The reason for the sudden change in this project is it is meant for outdoors. Being outdoors, I would need a glaze that can withstand the elements. If the naked raku technique is outdoors it has a greater opportunity of experiencing oxidation and losing its appeal decoratively, compared to being indoors.

The naked raku is still a desire to learn and understand so I have a project slated for the spring. Someone asked me if I would do this project again. I said I would, but the work will of course be smaller and less heavy as it does not need to withstand the winter and I am sure the naked raku will live up to its raw name and beauty.

I put together a small photo slideshow of the process for you, and thanks to everyone at Studio Link for your teachings and friendship!





Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Inspiration from a bottle?!

I saw this Awesome form in the magazine Ceramic Art Daily. It is truly a wealth of information and inspiration for projects you maybe be looking for as well as a great medium to give clay artists exposure such as Frank James Fisher.
Frank James Fisher was born in 1962 in Detroit, Michigan. Frank is an American ceramic artist. Fisher’s explorations of western raku exaggerate the graphic qualities of his work. Innovative clay construction methods push the limits of complex, ultra-thin porcelain sculptures fired in a raku environment. Fisher has evolved a variety of glaze application techniques, giving his ceramic surfaces a look of controlled chaos.

His ceramic art reveals a narrative of his life or current events found in the media. His most current works not only add beauty to the world but also convey a deep sense of thought toward consumerism. Well that’s what I got from it anyway.

Take a look at his site and let me know what you think and watch for my posting of how my own personal message in a bottle project went. Will it be a work of beauty and thought or a message you do not want to ever speak of again?