Twenty-Fifth Post: Raku Pottery in the Schools

Hi all,

Ceramic art has a built in mystique. Perhaps it's the mysterious miracle that occurs from when we close the lid of the kiln and turn it on to when we open it the next day and discover the treasures within. Perhaps it's the perceived danger inherent in kilns with their intense heat.  Whatever it is, Raku pottery has a mystique that goes way beyond other types of ceramic art. The glaze effects, from eye-popping metallics, pearlescents and spiderweb crackles, that are impossible to obtain in other types of pottery and tile, contribute the the mystique. So does the firing process which seems to violate every principle of normal kiln procedure.
On reflection, though, the Raku pottery process teaches more about kiln firing that it obscures. One of the most illuminating parts of the process is the ability to actually watch the glazes melt and transform themselves from a matte finish to the shiny, glassy surface that so delights us. Once the melting is completed the pottery is removed from the kiln with long handled tongs and subjected to a treatment involving smoke and water that enhances the glazes and changes their finish, color and texture.
I've had the satisfaction of offering both Raku school residencies as well as Raku professional development programs. In both cases, the participants experience the complete Raku process including making the pottery, formulating the glazes from scratch, constructing a portable fiber kiln and firing the glazed pieces. This Spring I'll be offering the Raku professional development workshop to the art teachers of the North Ridgeville School District. Also, Roxboro Elementary School in Cleveland Heights Ohio will have me present Raku pottery workshops to its fourth and fifth grade students.  Please check back later for further updates.

Best wishes,

George



View my work as an artist in the schools at tileandclayart.com