Oceania Shell II | Horsehair Raku Sculptural Bowl

Description

Handmade ceramics are always more than just tableware or décor. Most of my pieces are not formal but rather natural organic forms with imperfections which make them look more unique. It is a creative process of transforming a ball of clay into an object of art. My ceramic vessels are simple and elegant, though bold at the same time.

I love experimenting with surface textures. This is my new experimental raku technique. This horsehair raku vessel is created using a unique firing process. The piece is hand built from coils. The terra sigillata mixed with minerals applied in a few coats to bone dry clay and then burnished creating a very smooth surface.

The vessel is bisque fired and then fired again in a raku kiln. It pulled from the kiln while glowing red hot. While it slightly cools down to approximately 1100F, horsehairs were placed on the surface, igniting and leaving black carbon designs. The minerals give a luster and subtle sheen that emanates from within the clay. The smoke initiates a chemical process pulling vibrant iridescent pearl and purple and green-like luster to the surface. No two pieces of Raku will ever be alike.

Dimensions: 8.5” long by 7.25” wide by 4″ tall.