burning down the house...raku-style

I just finished my third raku firing on Sunday.  In raku firing, you get quick results; it only takes about an hour for each firing so you get to see the finished pots quickly.  It's like mixing pottery with a campfire.  And it takes a handful of folks for a big load, so it's quite social.  Plus, you won't offend anyone while you reek of smoke because we all do after doing a raku firing!

Raku allows for some unique effects on the clay surface, like crackle, iridescent metallics, variation in color and luster all over the pot.  I'm delighted with how the raku glazes and bare surfaces brought out the texture I stamped and carved on my pots.  

Check out my raku pots in this gallery