Raku

Raku is a process that requires outdoor firing. The glazed ceramic piece is heated in a kiln until the glaze is molten and then it is pulled out of the kiln with tongs and placed in a container with a lid and combustible materials inside. The ceramic piece is so hot that the combustible materials continue to burn even in the absence of oxygen. The fire steals oxygen molecules from the actual clay body creating a carbonizing effect that turns the exposed clay black and gets in to any crackles in the glaze that form during the cooling. It is a dynamic and exciting way to fire. The only drawback to Raku is that is not highly functional because it is not waterproof. It is used for decorative objects and pieces meant to be used with dry materials only (ie. I make salt and pepper shakers using the Raku process)