A Splash of Color: Breathing Life into Naked Raku

Hi everyone, it’s Susan, your friendly guide to the captivating world of ceramics! Today, we’re diving into the mesmerizing realm of raku firing, specifically a captivating variation called naked raku. Imagine pulling a glowing, red-hot piece from the kiln, its surface alive with fiery energy. As it cools, intricate crackle patterns emerge, revealing a hidden beauty beneath. That’s the magic of raku!

Now, imagine infusing this fiery dance with vibrant colors and delicate patterns. That’s the allure of naked raku, a technique where the clay itself becomes the canvas. And who better to guide us on this artistic adventure than the incredibly talented ceramic artists, Kate and Will Jacobson? They’ve truly mastered the art of breathing life and color into naked raku, and I’m so excited to share their secrets with you!

Beyond Black and White: Embracing a Colorful Palette

While traditional naked raku often boasts a striking contrast of black and white, the Jacobsons have unlocked a world of color within this fiery technique. Their innovative two-step process transforms ordinary clay into stunning works of art, adorned with vibrant hues and intricate designs.

Their journey begins with selecting the perfect clay, often opting for the smooth consistency of cone 10 Laguna clays like Amador and WSO. Once the clay has reached a leather-hard stage, the magic of color begins! Thin layers of colored porcelain slip, like delicate watercolors, are brushed onto the surface, allowing the previous layer to peek through for added depth.

But the real secret to their vibrant finishes lies in the art of burnishing. This meticulous technique involves gently polishing the surface with a smooth, hard object, creating a glossy sheen that elevates the colors to a whole new level. It’s like giving your pottery a spa day, leaving it radiant and ready for the kiln!

From Bisque to Burnishing: Laying the Groundwork

Before we unleash the full potential of naked raku, our clay creations need a little pre-firing pampering. Bisque firing, the first step in this fiery journey, transforms the clay from a fragile form into a sturdy canvas, ready to embrace the magic of resist and glaze.

Think of the resist as a protective shield, carefully applied to preserve the intricate designs we’ll etch later. The Jacobsons swear by a simple yet effective resist made from their trusty Amador throwing clay, ensuring it clings tightly throughout the firing process.

Now, for the star of the show – the glaze! The Jacobsons have generously shared their go-to recipe, a magical concoction featuring 65% Ferro frit 3110 and 35% Gerstley borate. This unique blend creates those signature crackle patterns that make naked raku so captivating.

Applying the glaze is an art in itself. Thin layers yield delicate, spiderweb-like crackles, while a thicker application results in bolder, more dramatic patterns. It’s all about experimentation and finding the perfect balance for your artistic vision!

Once the glaze has settled, it’s time to unleash your inner artist! Using a sharp tool, gently etch designs into the surface, creating pathways for the smoke to work its magic during the final firing. These etched lines will transform into smoky masterpieces, adding depth and intrigue to your finished piece.

The Raku Firing Dance: Embracing the Element of Surprise

Now, for the grand finale – the raku firing! This is where things get really exciting, as we witness the transformation from simple clay to a work of art. The kiln, heated to a fiery 1368°F (740°C), becomes our artistic collaborator, its intense heat coaxing the glazes to dance and crackle.

But timing is everything in this fiery dance. The key is to catch the glaze at its peak, when it resembles the bumpy texture of an orange peel. This signals that it’s time to carefully remove the piece from the kiln and transfer it to a waiting chamber filled with combustible materials like sawdust or wood chips.

This smoking chamber is where the magic truly unfolds. The intense heat from the pottery ignites the surrounding materials, creating a smoky embrace that seeps into the etched lines and crackled glaze. After a short but dramatic fifteen minutes, the piece is carefully removed, its surface now adorned with a captivating tapestry of smoky patterns.

Enhancing the Magic: Adding the Finishing Touches

Once cooled, it’s time to gently remove any residual resist and glaze, revealing the stunning patterns beneath. A light scrub with steel wool and water unveils the full beauty of the naked raku technique – a captivating interplay of smoky hues, delicate crackles, and intricate designs.

To further enhance their creations, the Jacobsons often introduce subtle hints of color using acrylic washes. These delicate washes accentuate the etched designs, adding another layer of depth and visual interest.

And there you have it – a masterpiece born from fire, smoke, and artistic vision! The beauty of naked raku lies not only in its stunning visuals but also in its embrace of the unexpected. It’s a dance between control and chance, where each piece emerges from the fire with its own unique story to tell.

Conclusion: The Enduring Allure of Naked Raku

So, are you ready to embark on your own naked raku adventure? Remember, the key is to embrace the process, experiment with different techniques, and allow yourself to be surprised by the magic of the fire.

For further inspiration, be sure to check out the work of Kate and Will Jacobson, true masters of this captivating art form. Their book, “Naked Raku and Related Bare Clay Techniques,” is a treasure trove of knowledge for anyone eager to delve deeper into this fascinating world..

And don’t forget to explore other resources like:

• Ceramic Arts Network: https://ceramicartsnetwork.org/ – A fantastic online resource for all things ceramics, with articles, tutorials, and inspiration galore!
• The American Ceramic Society: https://ceramics.org/ – A leading organization dedicated to advancing the ceramic arts and sciences, offering a wealth of information and resources.
• John Britt Ceramics: https://johnbrittpottery.com/ – Renowned ceramic artist John Britt shares his expertise through workshops, books, and online resources, providing valuable insights for potters of all levels.

Happy potting, everyone! And remember, the only limit is your imagination!