ZOO CERAMICS ANIMAL SCULPURE AND GIFTWARE NEWS
RAKU POTTERY CLASS JULY 2007 and 2008
RAKU POTTERY CLASS JULY 2007 and 2008
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The raku firing process was developed in Japan in the sixteen century. Unlike other firing methods the raku process is rapid. After the ceramic work has under gone the usual bisque firing of up to 1000 degrees, a glaze firing would normally take between 12 - 24 hours to effectively seal and decorate the work. With a raku firing the work can be completed in under three hours; which allows plenty of time for a summer end of term bar-b-que.
All the equipment is set out in advance and the work is placed in the drum kiln to rapid fire until the glaze is white molten in appearance.
On opening the kiln metal tongs are used to remove the glowing work from the kiln, which is placed carefully in the nearby dust bin.
2009
Eager students are waiting to cover each piece of work with saw dust and the lid is placed firmly on top to smother the flames.
Dates and Times
2009
A carbonaceous atmosphere is created inside the metal bin, which helps to create the unique metallic and crackled effects that are particular to raku glazes.
A special thank you to Dave, Cherie, Angie and Donna for assisting Maggie in the arduous and smokey task of carefully rooting about in the saw dust to retrieve the raku objects. This is a tricky process for there are always a few pieces that do not want to be found. The work is still very hot and on being exposed to the atmosphere, can easily ignite the saw dust again.
The pieces are the slowly lowered into a bucket of water to cool and can then be cleaned with wire wool to reveal the special glaze effects.
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Dish by Katie 2008 |
Pot by Linda 2008 |
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Dish by Rona 2008 |
Plate by Sue 2008 |
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Spiral by Angie 2008 |
Plate by Rachel 2007 |
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Fossil by Ali 2007 |
Leaf by Gloria 2008 |
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Candle Dish by Jane 2008 |
Mushroom by Jenny 2007 |
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Owl by Cherie |
Bird by Beryl 2007 |
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Landscape Plaque by Bev 2007 |
Landscape Plaque by Bev 2008 |
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