What in the World is RAKU?
When I started my morning, I had no idea what I was in for. My sister, Pete Barrett, had asked us to do a test run with a local artisan, Kayla A. Stride, who is preparing for “travelling Raku workshops” this summer. First of all, I had no idea what Raku was. I vaguely remembered hearing the word before and realized it was some sort of pottery but, other than that, I was really at a loss. Nevertheless, participating in a test run sounded so intriguing and was bound to be a great learning experience. It always is when my sister is involved.
Well let me tell you, it was a FUN afternoon! I learned that Raku firing is an unusual and ancient technique invented by the Japanese to create the type of ceramics used in their traditional tea ceramonies. The intrigue and uniqueness is in the finish. Instead of warming and maturing pottery in a cold kiln, glazed pieces are placed in a hot kiln until the temperature reaches 1700° (about 1/2 an hour). The pieces are then removed and forced to cool rapidly at air temperature. The process subjects the pottery to extreme stress and creates unique effects throughout the glaze and, sometimes, in the pottery itself.
Each of us was asked to choose a piece of pottery that Pete had handcrafted ahead of time. Under Kayla’s direction, we then painted our pieces in whatever design we wanted and headed outside to the kiln where Kayla took charge. The pieces were placed inside the bucket and the torch was lit. It was amazing to watch how quickly the temperature rose.
Once it reached the required 1700°, Kayla quickly (but carefully) removed the pottery and placed it in buckets of sawdust. Sawdust is highly flammable, which is exactly what’s needed for this step in the process. Called ‘Reduction firing’, the purpose is to deprive the surface of the pottery of oxygen. This increases the chance aspects and dramatic surface variation of the glaze. As my sister says, “The kiln Gods take over and decide what happens to each piece.” It resulted in the Raku aesthetic. Take a look and see what you think.
First Step - Glazing
Final Results
Thank you for allowing us to be part of such a great workshop, Kayala
Red Fire Ceramics
Kayla A Stride is an indigenous artist currently operating as Red Fire Ceramics (located in Conne River, NL).
Check it out and be sure to follow her on Instagram
The Travelling Raku Workshop is a new product which Kayla will be offering this summer.
She will get back to us with more information on her business once plans are finalized.
Special thanks to Pete Barrett of Pete Barret Craft for arranging the “Raku Test Run” workshop
Live life
on the edge
of all it was
meant to be
