Raku Firing
Recently I had a friend suggest I describe my Raku firing and the process I use in creating my pieces. I thought I would start with my Raku firing. Raku is a primitive firing process. It was originally used by the japanese tea masters. Raku is fired to a low temperature, usually bearing a lead glaze. The American potter's introduced reduction after the firing.
As for my process, I fire my work to Cone 06 in either my Garbarge Can Kiln or I have a Raku Kiln that was retrofitted from an electric kiln. Once we have reached the proper firing temperature (approximately about 1800 degrees) I then pull the piece or pieces out of the kiln using my tongs and place it in to a smaller garbage can with newspaper. The newspaper begins to burn and the lid is then placed on top of the can. This causes a "reduction" when the pieces are deprived of oxygen and the reduction affects the color. I leave it in the can for a short time and then I cool it off with water.
Each firing is so unique. Although I have certain glazes that I use I can get different results from the same glaze. That is the great fun of doing Raku. As my husband always asks when I am going out to fire, if "I am going out to play!" The answer is yes. So each piece is very individual and unique. The photo I am posting with this is the very first firing I did using my Garbage Can Kiln. My neighbors came over to "supervise".
Tags: Gallery Raku firing
Comments:
I have taken 3 raku basketry classes from Shirley and have attended her open studios. In my opinion, Shirley Albrecht is the Alexander Calder of raku basketry. As Alexander Calder was to the mobile and the stabile, Shirley is to raku basketry.