Butterflies Wall Art | Raku Ceramics

Description

“Wings of Smoke and Fire”. – Raku Butterflies Wall Ceramic Art 

My strongest inspiration comes from Mother Nature and its magical beauty, harmony, strength and power. Being in contact with nature is of utmost importance to me. I constantly notice new natural forms and transform them into my work.

Every butterfly is different, The beautiful surface illuminates deep shades of red, copper, blue and purple. Two larger butterflies have copper wires with tiny small hand blown glass beads resembling butterfly antennas.

I hand built butterflies from coils and slabs . The wall hangings were high fired in electric kiln. The sculpture has a hole in the back designed to fit a nail, therefore you can hang it on the wall and enjoy!

The wall sculptures are a unique home décor and display piece. The look gorgeous in a group creating a dynamic flowing effect.

The butterfly sizes measure from 9” by 7” to 6” by 5”.

To fully understand the Raku Firing Process, one would have to delve into and study Japanese culture. Raku is deeply associated and intertwined with the ancient Japanese tea ceremony. Serving and drinking tea using Raku fired bowls is an age old “happening” that is still performed in some areas of Japan.

Raku glazes contain a lot of copper that gives the fired pieces: green, red, blue and copper shades. The temperature is rather quickly run up to about 1800-2000 degrees F and then the kiln is raised, revealing red hot pieces. Finally, the piece then placed in a bucket containing combustible materials. As soon as the red hot piece comes in contact with the combustible materials, spontaneous combustion occurs. The lid is put over the can to make reduction atmosphere and let the flames seek for the oxygen removing it from the glaze and clay body of the piece. The result is black clay body and very interesting colors on the piece. No two pieces of Raku will ever be the same. It’s like Christmas!

Raku care:
Raku ceramics by their creative process and their very nature serve only for decorative purposes. Keep your piece out of direct sunlight will keep the metals in the glaze from oxidizing and colors strong and vibrant.

I create my artwork in the home studio in Southern California. Each ceramic vessel is an original piece of artwork. It is signed by me on the bottom.