Following are pictures of raku which illustrate the captivating coloration of my raku art works. Ever since my first encounter with the raku process, I’ve been intrigued by the fact that every single piece is always one of a kind. As an artist I highly value that aspect.

Shimmering iridescent and metallic coloration typical of Raku ware is a spectacular quality that first attracted me to this firing process for the ceramic work I make. In addition, each piece is always ‘one of a kind’ due to the very nature of the process further described in the ‘raku firing process‘.

picture of raku vase with seahorses

Each form that I create seems to ‘dictate’ certain design features to me. When this vase was in its bisqued state, being pristine white, I saw – in my mind’s eye – the spiral design you now see in dramatic black. These areas were masked out with latex prior to the vase being glazed; then they were peeled away. In raku, anything left without glaze is blackened with carbon.

picture of oval raku vase with spirals

Creative ideas come to me from many and varied sources. The textured black ‘frame’ around the turquoise nuggets on this vase are actually clay trimmings that usually get thrown in the clay recycle bin! I love the organic nature of them and often use them in this way.

picture of raku vase with turquoise nuggets

I was commissioned years ago by a friend who wanted a piece similar to this in the gift shop of her winery. This was the beginning of a grape/wine themed line of Raku work! Also, it led to many enjoyable years of participation in the Colorado Mountain Wine Festival as a vendor!

picture of raku pottery with grapes

I enjoy making additions to my pottery for special interest. In this case, grape leaves were added to the raku pot while it was still damp following being thrown on the potter’s wheel. From that point forward, the leaves are an integral part of the pottery.

Picture of Iridescent Raku Pot with Leaves