RAKU

The firing technique of "Raku" ware was first developed by Chojiro, founder of the first generation of the Raku dynasty, in the 16th century. The word "Raku" comes from the ideograph engraved on that gold seal. "Raku" when freely and loosely translated can mean joy, enjoyment, pleasure, comfort, happiness, or contentment. The word "Raku" thereby became Chojiro's family name/title. The Raku firing technique utilizes a rapid rise in temperature in a fuel fired kiln. At glaze maturity, the Raku items are then taken out of the kiln and placed in an air-tight container with shredded newspaper and sawdust, and a short time later the Raku items are taken out and either air cooled or sprayed or dipped in water.

Gary Ferguson is an artist whose main firing technique is the raku style. He believes that using this techinque makes every piece unique becuase the exact process can never be reproduced. His main influences have been from Japanese, Chinese, and Celtic art. He likes the geometric patterns that are present and often incorporates it into his own pieces. Ferguson often times combines elements from various cultures into a single form. http://www.rubensraku.com/rubens_raku_site/design_pages/Raku_History.htm http://www.garyrferguson.com/bio.htm

Below to the left is one of Gary Ferguson's pieces. And below to the right is what a Raku firing looks like.
A wheelthrown Raku platter by Beth Ann Maragas.

My Work

Ceramic buddies at prom! Not cleaning the glaze room though...

Wes and I were on on glaze room duty. We cleaned it very well and it's nice and clean now! We swept, dusted, rearranged, sponged, and ordered the room. Below, I have a picture of my garden art. It is my favorite type of flower that I always draw and doodle with. Before my flower was fired, the stem and one of the pedals actually broke off! I had to spend a whole class resurrecting this piece but it's healthy now.

The sea green piece below was supposed to be my mug, but the handle was not cooperating. So I just made it into a handleless whatever. I am probably going to be using it as a vase. "Your character is your destiny" is one of my favorite quotes and I wrote it in my mug. The mug is still being painted, but I want to make sure the quote is clearly visible. The picture on the bottom right is the "signature" that I have decided to use on all my pieces. It is my initials all connected. I think it looks really cool when the glaze goes into the imprint of the signature.