Art is more diverse today than ever before. Cutting edge technology, new materials, and contemporary artistic standards are constantly challenging what the average viewer thinks of as "art". However, sometimes contemplation of the ultra-modern takes us back to the ancient past. One of the most important mediums, both decoratively and functionally, is clay. As an art form, it is certainly ancient and definitively modern.

Ceramic vessels and sculptures have been an integral part of cultures around the world. From the humble river beds and clay deposits across the globe a plethora of techniques, styles, and forms have developed. One of the most loved ceramic processes is raku. Its rich color and endless variations are always tempered with the fact that it is unpredictable. However, the unpredictable nature is what makes this particular process exciting and tough to master.

The Basics of Raku

Raku is a quick, low temperature fire that imparts color to the surface of ceramic works. The color comes from the actual glaze (chemical mixture applied to the pot) as well as the firing method itself. It originated in Japan and has been adapted to the common American "fast fire" method most seen in this region today.

Ceramic wares are heated rapidly inside a propane powered raku kiln to a temperature in the neighborhood of 1800 degrees. The entire heating process takes less than one hour to complete (versus the 24 to 48 hour high fire processes). Then, while pots are red hot, they are pulled from the kiln and deposited into a "reduction bin".

The reduction bin is usually a metal container with a removable lid. It is filled with organic combustible material (such as paper, leaves, sawdust, or other natural material) which ignites as the hot ceramics are put inside. The fire inside the reduction bin is allowed to blaze fully, is almost smothered out (or reduced) with the lid, and then it is brought back to full flame. This continues until the combustible materials are burned away.

The method of starving the bin (and ultimately the glazed pots inside) of oxygen, then allowing it rekindle when exposed to a fully oxygenated atmosphere creates a volatile environment. This volatility is what creates the unique patterns, bright metallic finishes, dry textures, and unpredictable results of the raku process.

After the ware has been fully reduced in the bin, the pieces are pulled out and dipped in water. This stops the development of the glaze materials, cools the ware, and often gives the surface a crackled texture. With a bit more cleaning the final results are visible.

Despite the intense study and endless experimentation it takes to master the process, several Denison galleries feature great examples of raku ware. The next time you visit the downtown art venues, be sure to ask about raku!

Want to learn more about what is happening in the arts community? You can find a listing of upcoming art events here on the Events page or check the Chamber Works calendar or by visiting the Chamber of Commerce Website.