Raku firing is an ancient Japanese tradition that low fires clay and utilizes natural combustibles, smoke, and ash to create unique patters in glazes. Pottery can really test your patience, and most times, you can’t rush the process. But one of the best things about Raku is how quickly it goes. You can have a completed piece within a few hours of firing! And you must move fast! Once the pieces reach a certain temperature, you take them out of the kiln and place them directly in metal buckets with combustibles. By placing a tight fitting lid to the top of the buckets, the combustibles burst into flames, trapping smoke and ash around the pot. This is where all shades of black and oxidized colors come from.

In February of 2020, I spent 3 blissful weeks in Sitges Spain, where I assisted a potter in her home studio doing raku firings. Typically, I stick to throwing on the wheel because it’s what I know and love. But while in Spain, there was no wheel! So I hand-built small bowls and pendants. I loved working slower and smaller. Each move I made felt more intentional, softer, and thoughtful. I used shells that I found at the sea to make patterns in the clay, and straw and leaves from the yard for the combustibles. Below I’ve included a handful of pieces that I’ve created and raku fired over the years.