Raku—The Joyful Surprise

Raku firing is an ancient Japanese ceramics technique that creates very unique finishes to wares. You just never know what you going to get when a piece comes out of the raku fire. But either way, you will probably be astonished. That’s why it’s called a Joyful Surprise.

Sales & Demonstrations on June 4 There is much curiosity about the difference between kiln and raku firing. Many of your questions will soon be answered. As part of the Raku Pottery Project, a firing demonstration will be held on June 4th at Imagine Art Studio, 1611 W. 14th. The raku kiln will fire-up at around 10 a.m. and continue until all the pieces are done. After which, the owners can take them home.

The event will be led by Rick Hernandez, the AmeriCorps Director for Imagine Art and a longtime potter and instructor. Last month Rick participated in a raku demonstration in San Angelo, Texas.

In addition to the raku demonstration, there will be a Ceramic Sale on June 3rd & 4th. The sale will take place in the St. Luke Fellowship Hall. It’s your chance to find ceramics by Ebony Young, Larin Harp, Amy Chagoya, Debra Beauchamp, Natalie Schneider, Eli Davis and other IA artists.

On Saturday Ryan Nunn will be making uniquely fashionable cut-stone jewelry. Also, talented artists-in-residence Christina Green-Martinez and Laura Williams will demonstrate plein air painting, weather permitting. A coloring station will be set-up for kids, promoting Steven Fisher and John Molina’s First Edition coloring books.

Raku Workshop Imagine Art held a workshop on May 6th for its artists. Those who participated learned how-to make clay pieces for a successful raku firing. Bowls, dishes and vases were shaped from special raku clay. Everybody was given a 2 lb. lump of the raku clay to build whatever they wanted, as long as they followed these guidelines:

It is recommended that pieces have large, smooth surfaces.
To avoid explosions in the kiln, the pieces should not have attachments such as handles, nor be super thick.
The artist should create distinct textures on the finished clay piece.
Piece must be signed.
Warning: Not food safe.

Justine Nolt, AmeriCorps artist-in-residence, was the instructor. An experienced ceramicist, Justine shared insights and offered help and encouragement to the participants.