Unveiling the Glow: A Unique Journey into Raku Ceramics
Horsehair raku with minerals firing technique
Rediscovering the Magic of Fire and Clay
As a ceramic artist, I’ve always been captivated by the surface—how heat, air, and material interact to tell stories through texture. Over the past year, I’ve been developing a variation of traditional raku and horsehair firing techniques . The process has been experimental, full of trial and error, but the results have been unexpectedly beautiful.
The Art of Raku: A Dance with Fire
Raku ceramics have their origins in 16th-century Japan, celebrated for their spontaneity and unpredictability. Unlike conventional pottery, raku pieces are removed from the kiln at peak temperature—glowing red-hot—and rapidly cooled. This sudden exposure to air and smoke leads to crackled glazes, bold textures, and surface patterns that can never be exactly replicated. My evolving process builds on this foundation, creating surfaces that shimmer with life.
Layering Tradition with Innovation
The journey begins with bone-dry clay—a porous, absorbent canvas ideal for the first transformative layer. I apply terra sigillata, a fine slip used by ancient potters, enhanced with mica minerals for added luminosity. Once the coating is dry, I burnish the surface until it develops a subtle, silky shine. This step locks in the minerals and preps the surface for the fiery drama ahead.
Entering the Fire: The Raku Firing Process
Once bisque-fired in low temperatures, the piece is placed in a raku kiln and heated until it glows with energy. The temperature is critical. If you overheat it, the minerals would burn out. Then comes the pivotal moment: I remove it from the kiln and immediately expose it to open air. At this stage, I lay horsehair strands onto the hot surface. They ignite on contact, searing fine, smoky tendrils into the clay—fossil-like imprints of fire and carbon.
Iridescent Glow from Ashes
The true enchantment lies in the interaction between the mica, carbon, and extreme heat. The minerals catch the light and refract it, producing a soft iridescent glow, sometimes subtle, sometimes vibrant. Each piece becomes a unique record of its fiery transformation. The surfaces glimmer as if lit from within, telling stories of heat, timing, and touch.
The Beauty of Unpredictability
What I love most about raku techniques is their unpredictability. Even with precise preparation, no two outcomes are ever the same. The fusion of materials, timing, and elemental forces creates a language of surprise. This is what makes raku ceramics so powerful—every piece is a collaboration with the unknown.
A Continuing Evolution
This process has deepened my love for raku and the philosophy behind it. It’s taught me to embrace imperfection, listen to the materials, and celebrate the spontaneous. As I continue exploring this evolving raku technique, I look forward to discovering new layers of meaning, beauty, and connection—one piece at a time.
