You may recall me talking about a possible Raku firing for my Micaceous clay class (click here.) When I heard about the possible results for this process (a silver/black iridescent finish) I had in mind the 3 little wolf pups & the mini bean pot. It was a fun process & I was super excited about the results! Here they are~
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| Good Things Come in Three's |
I totally love them!
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| Wolf Pup Meeting |
So, you know me~ I got a little carried away with photographing them!
:)
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| Taking Time to Contemplate the Little Things |
I couldn't help it, they're just so darn cute!
The backside shows the random iridescent pattern made by the firing.
Here's the mini bean pot. I can't help but love it, too! The random patterns combined with the shape make me think of viewing the earth from space.
A little close up of the patterning. In case you're not familiar w/Raku (which I was not) I'll give a a very brief synopsis. After the pieces are bisqued, they are put in the Raku (gas) kiln & fired very hot, very fast. My understanding is that there are a few different ways to go about it, but in this case the pieces were then moved carefully w/ long metal tongs & thrown into a steel can with sawdust. The sawdust immediately goes up in flames, the lid is closed & the sawdust burns down & then the pots are ready to come out.
My hot pot, sitting in a pile of ashes.
In the pic below, I think she was either pointing at a pattern made by the firing, or the sawdust embers still glowing.
(click to enlarge for a better view.)
I'm telling you- this was some exciting stuff! I wish I would have gotten pics of the entire process, but I was busy throwing in the sawdust & dodging smoke & flames! But, we'll likely do another firing tomorrow, so I'll try to get more pics of this fascinating process. I am totally hooked on clay and all the amazing directions you can go with it!
:)
17 comments:
The wolf pups are very cute, and I love the bean pot!
Yes, I see what you mean about the color on the bean pot. It is beautiful. I have read about this technique, but never seen the finished result so close.
I love those little bears!
Wow. I love the wolf pups, but that bean pot is my favorite. Great results, the colors are wonderful. GREAT work!!!xoxo
i was so excited to see what got YOU so excited- this firing was the perfect thing for the wolf pups and the bean pot is also gorgeous. nice work-
Oh Becky, the cubs are so wonderful! Now you need to make bigger ones! :-)
I'm amazed at the expressions on your wolf pups ! And the shot of the backside view is just too funny - like he's paying attention. Great patterns created by the fire, but I'm wondering if you like Raku so much because of all the fun you get to have playing with fire and all. ;-) Just sayin'.
fantastic Becky...well done!!!
Wow this technique really gets to the heart of this process of pottery
Three wolf pups are so adorable. I love their way of sitting. Amazing enough, each of them has each characteristic or personality. All of your works please the eye!
Becky, Have a nice weekend.
A fascinating process; thanks for the explanation. I, too, think the wolf pups are terrific and you SHOULD be proud of them and happy about the results.
Hi, My first visit to your blog, its wonderful!!
The pups are so cute and so is the little pot... The pics give a real close up of the beauty, thanks for sharing... Looking forward to more, have a great weekend:)
your wolf pups could not be cuter!!!
and you firing was fun to see. I use to date a potter and he would use seaweed over sawdust. Fun. You must be so pleased.
How interesting to know something about this Raku process. I can't believe you use sawdust to fire that pattern. I love the coloring of the bean pot and those wolf pups are too cute! Great work, Becky.
HI Becky, this is my fist visit to your blog. What delightful work you do! The wolf pups absolutely stole my heart and raku was a perfect way to fire them. It's a great process isn't it? Signing off now to read previous posts! :)
The pot turned out so well. Love the moody colours. We all feel we have been part of the process :-)
The iridescence on that pot just took my breath away!
How unique ,intersting and beautiful.
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